“Dear Members of the Pins and Needles Group,

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to each of you for the beautiful Irish-coloured blanket that was provided to the Palliative Care Unit at Mona Vale Hospital.

My husband, Robbie, passed away there last week at just 49 years of age. As a proud Irishman, he loved seeing the green, white and orange colours of the blanket. It brought a smile to his face and became a source of comfort during a very difficult time.

The care provided by the staff was exceptional, but it is thoughtful touches such as your handmade blankets that help transform what can otherwise feel like a clinical environment into one that feels warm, caring and homely. The blanket gave Robbie a sense of dignity, familiarity and comfort, and it meant a great deal to our family to see him wrapped in something created with such kindness and generosity.

While you may never meet the people who receive your blankets, please know that your work makes a genuine difference. During one of the most challenging experiences a family can face, your gift brought warmth not only to Robbie but also to those of us sitting beside him.

Thank you for sharing your time, talents and compassion with others. Your kindness will be remembered by our family always.

With heartfelt gratitude.”