A church in Wales has knitted over 400 hats for premature babies born during the coronavirus lockdown.
The Knit ‘n Natter group from the parish of Merthyr Tydfil, St David and Abercanaid continued to meet every Monday via Zoom during lockdown.
The project supports the neonatal department in both Prince Charles Hospital and University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
According to UK charity Bliss, there are around 60,000 babies born prematurely every year in the UK. In other words, one in every 13 babies is born during the 37 weeks gestation period.
Founding member Brenda Griffiths said the Knit 'n Natter group was encouraged to help when her daughter, a doctor at University Hospital of Wales, told her there was a growing need for baby hats in the neonatal unit.
"When my daughter told me of the hospital’s need to have a constant supply of baby hats, I mentioned it to the group, and we seized the opportunity to do good," she said. "The best thing is that this is not a one-off project. We continue to knit hats for neonatal care, as well as baby cardigans for a local women’s refuge."
Rev Charlotte Rushton, the assistant curate in the parish, is a strong advocate of the group and praised the way its members are spreading love and care during challenging times.
"Our Knit 'n Natter ladies were determined to put their skills to good use during the lockdown and offer support where they could," she said. "I’m incredibly proud of how these wonderful ladies rallied around to spread some joy during very difficult circumstances.“