Community Knitters Bring Comfort to Babies and Families at Lincoln County Hospital

Individuals and knitting groups supporting The Centre for Reconciliation (TCfR) have received heartfelt thanks from Lincoln County Hospital’s neonatal unit for their donations of handmade baby items.

The items were delivered to the unit by Subash Chellaiah, TCfR’s Founder and Executive Director. Staff expressed their appreciation for the generosity of the contributors and the care that goes into every item.

In a letter signed by Helen, Ward Manager, and the neonatal unit team, staff wrote: “The impact your items have on our babies and families is immeasurable and we would also like to say ‘thank you’ on their behalf.”

The team highlighted the dedication of volunteers, whose contributions help the unit provide personal touches during what can be a difficult and worrying time for families. An accompanying handwritten message offered further thanks for the knitted items and the kindness behind them.

For Gillian Fiddes, one of the individual contributors, supporting the neonatal unit has a deeply personal meaning.

Gillian said: “I was a premature baby myself, so knitting for the neonatal unit is close to my heart. I have been knitting for the babies for many years, and I send my love with every item I make.”

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Gillian Fiddes receives a certificate of appreciation for her knitting contributions from the then Mayor of Lincoln, Alan Briggs, at TCfR’s 2025 Annual General Meeting.

Alongside Gillian, other individuals and groups have generously contributed their time, skills and materials. Their collective efforts demonstrate how practical acts of kindness can bring people together and support families in their community.

The neonatal unit has also invited contributors to send photographs for its “Neonatal Knitters” board, celebrating the people whose work makes a difference to staff, babies and families.

TCfR extends its warm thanks to Gillian and all the individuals and groups involved. Every handmade item represents time freely given, care for others and a reminder to families that their community is thinking of them.