In her spare time midwife Lesley Chalk (pictured above middle) volunteers with the community group Sewing2gether All Nations. When Lesley suggested to the group that they make handmade hearts for Covid-19 patients and their families, they were only too willing to get involved.
Sewing2gether All Nations is a weekly sewing workshop in Paisley where New Scots and locals get-together to sew and socialise, and in the case of New Scots have an opportunity to practice their English language learning in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Lesley recently delivered handmade hearts made by the group to Covid-19 patients and their families at the hospital she works in.
The hearts are intended to be a small comfort to families who cannot visit loved ones losing their lives to the virus.
Founder Gabrielle Cullen said “Our group can’t meet at the moment but we wanted to respond to the call out for hearts.
“We stay in touch as a group and like everyone else experiencing lockdown we have great admiration for key workers. We all know Lesley as she sews with us (and her mum too) so when she suggested we make hearts for her hospital we were so pleased to help.
“To date we have made more than 300 of them and hope that they bring some comfort to those in a truly heartbreaking situation.”
Lesley said, “Working in the NHS has never been more stressful. Changing job descriptions and protocols daily makes it difficult.
“However, it remains the most rewarding career ever. The dedication of my colleagues shines through and the care given to the patients is never compromised. The handmade hearts are a valued component of this care. Families are separated and no physical contact is allowed. The hearts, one to the patient and one to the family, act as a connection – a symbol of love that people can hold on to. The hearts were made by people who have very little, but took on this challenge wholeheartedly and this is very much appreciated and humbling.”
You can find out more about Sewing2gether All Nations’ activities by visiting their Facebook page.
