Knitted ‘Forget me not’ bears donated to the Hospice

Helen Ellis, a long-time supporter of Arthur Rank Hospice, has been busy knitting a set of unique and heartfelt creations to raise funds for the Charity.

When she unveiled her beautiful set of ‘Forget me not Bears’, Chris Barker, Caring Communities Coordinator and organiser of the Charity’s ‘Knits of the Round Table’, was amazed.

Helen (pictured on the right) had individually knitted 26 bears, complete with names of flowers and organza gift bags. They stood proudly displayed on a three tier structure.

Helen explained her personal motivation to support the Charity and others who were visiting the Hospice:

“In 2019, my husband Nick was cared for on the Inpatient Unit. Before he was ill I was a nurse and had also volunteered on the Inpatient Unit Reception so I knew what a lovely place it was and I wanted him to come here.

When he arrived, after two years of caring for Nick, I was exhausted but the moment I walked in I could relax. I was his wife again and not his Carer. Important things were taken care of, such as I could eat in the Bistro and buy my supper for later and bring our dog, Penny in with me too.

Nick felt very lucky and privileged to be here and at the end was quite happy to die.”

Helen had first met Chris at the knitting group when Chris had shown Helen how to knit a pair of socks and fingerless gloves. The ‘Knits of the Round Table’, made up of volunteers and staff, meet once a month at the Hospice and knit items which can be sold in the Charity’s shops and Reception areas at the Hospice in Cambridge and the Alan Hudson Centre in Wisbech.

It takes Helen three hours to knit each individual bear which are priced at £5.00 each. If you would like to buy Cosmos, Tulip, Ivy, Rose, Willow or any other collection bear please visit the Reception at the Hospice where they are currently displayed. Helen concluded by saying:

“This is a cute way to remember a loved one.”

The Charity would like to thank Helen for her kind ‘Forget me not bears’ and also for donating some of her fees when she donates her time as a Celebrant in Cambridgeshire.