Wakefield Hospice calls for keen knitters to help wrap hospice building in giant scarf

The hospice was forced to cancel a significant number of activities and campaigns last year as pandemic restrictions were introduced.

But prior to the first national lockdown, the Aberford Road home celebrated its 30th anniversary with a Valentine's Day Hospice Hug, which saw 220 people create a massive hug around the building.

This year, staff hope to recreate the hug with a giant circle of scarves, and share the moment with videos and photographs.

Helen Knowles, director of income generation at Wakefield Hospice, said: “Although this initiative won’t raise money for the hospice, we are hoping it will raise awareness and perhaps lead to donations.

“More importantly, we feel the hospice needs a hug now more than ever and, after the success and feedback from last year’s hug, we thought what better way to do it but create the hospice hug part two and benefit the homeless too.

“At a time when people are spending more time at home and turning to old and new hobbies, such as knitting, we thought we would ask for knitted scarfs as obviously we can’t meet in person to hug the hospice like we did last year, so it’s a great alternative.

“I know the staff and patients will love it and it will really boost morale. We will be grateful to receive the support of the community and anyone who would like to knit a scarf for the hospice hug part two.”

The hospice is looking to receive around 250 arm length scarves, which will be donated to a local homeless charity after the scarf hug is completed.

Wakefield Hospice cares for over 240 in-patients a year. It does not charge for care, but only a quarter of its funding comes from the NHS.

The hospice relies on fundraising activities and the generosity of the local community to carry out its invaluable work.

Anyone that wishes to knit a scarf and would like some wool and scarf pattern should contact Wakefield Hospice on 01924 331400 or email [email protected].