When we arrived on the ward we were shown a cupboard containing the hospital bedding and some project Linus blankets. Romy was able to choose a blanket which she would be able to keep. She was adamant she wanted a ballet themed blanket despite it being too small to cover her. As she took a liking to sleeping on top of the hospital bedding covered only by her Project Linus blanket we got her a second larger blanket, and she alternates between the bigger thicker blanket and the smaller one depending how hot it is.
Ironically, Romy and Zephyr were given Project Linus crocheted blankets in Guernsey during lockdown when the blankets were being offered to local children as a comfort during lockdown. They enjoyed playing with them so have been brought over with us to the Southampton flat as a reminder of home. The blankets have the same ‘Project Linus’ name label and washing instructions stitched on them, and it was surreal being a recipient of one ‘for real’ after already being given one during Lockdown when Romy was healthy.
In mid December the Southampton Hospital Charity brought around a Christmas themed blanket too.
“Project Linus began in America in 1995 when Karen Loucks saw a newspaper article showing how much a comfort blanket had helped a child cancer victim. She decided to organise blankets for her local children’s cancer unit and started spreading the word. Since that time several million blankets and quilts have been delivered worldwide. The organisation began in the UK in March 2000 as a result of a Birmingham quilter’s desire to help children in need. We now have a large network of volunteers across the UK who donate their time and skills to create beautiful blankets and quilts.” From <https://projectlinusuk.org.uk/>
-Helen
