Volunteer

“I am a retired media monitor. I have been crafting for as long as I can remember and would be lost without it, as would my sister Alison who also makes items for the charity. About 5 years ago, I saw an article by Ola about Colourful Beginnings and thought I would offer to help by making items for their amazing Treasure Boxes – I have not looked back since then! It is such a wonderful charity to be involved with and Ola works tirelessly to help families who need help and support when their little ones are in the NICU.”

“I got involved with Ola and Colourful Beginnings in 2017 after my sister Trish told me about the charity.

I worked in the NHS as a physiotherapist and when our daughter Hannah was born with Edwards Syndrome, she spent her first few weeks in the Baby Special Care Unit due to feeding problems as she had a cleft lip and palate and was failing to thrive. I realised at that time what a lonely and frightening place the unit could be for parents and family.

Unfortunately, Hannah died two weeks before her fourth birthday. For the rest of my career, I always tried to involve the families and friends of my patients and would talk and explain things to them and help support them. This was especially important when I worked in Palliative Care in the Hospice and community.

More recently our nephew’s baby was born premature and was in NICU. I love crafting so when Trish told me about the CB appeal for knitted hats and blankets, I saw that this would be something I could do practically to help the charity support NICU parents.

It is something I enjoy doing and encourage anyone who can knit, sew, or crochet to consider helping. It is so lovely to spot my creations on photos of the Treasure Boxes being sent out to families.”