Members of Bratton WI’s craft group have been knitting squares, which they then join together to make blankets for women suffering from the effects of childbirth complications in Ethiopia.
The group showed off some of their work to Libby Grundy, a trustee of the charity Hamlin Fistula UK, at their monthly gathering in Bratton’s Jubilee Hall.
Founded in 1968, Hamlin Fistula UK is a registered charity dedicated to the treatment and prevention of childbirth injuries in Ethiopia. To date, 70,000 women have been treated in the six hospitals it has built.
Libby, who has lived in Bratton for nine years and has been a trustee of the charity for the past five, said, “I am so grateful to every knitter who has given time, skill and love to create these beautiful blankets, and I am particularly delighted that women in my own community have been inspired to get involved in this way.
“We are aiming to treat 4,000 women this year, which means that in addition to our fundraising efforts, we need as many people knitting for us as possible.
“When a woman arrives at a Hamlin hospital, she has often been through years of isolation and pain. One of the first things she receives is a handmade blanket to mark the beginning of her healing. The moment she wraps herself in the blanket it symbolises the love and care she will receive during her treatment, making her feel cherished and supported on her journey back to health, hope and independence. It will be hers to treasure and keep forever.”
President of Bratton WI, Chris Crosby, said, “We are delighted to be taking part in this project. It is a perfect fit with our ethos of supporting women throughout the world. It builds a real connection with the lives of women living in very difficult circumstances and allows our members to take positive action in an increasingly troubled and uncertain world.”
Bratton WI meets at 2pm on the first Tuesday of the month and welcomes new members from the village and surrounding areas.
For more information about Hamlin Fistula UK and how to get involved in the project, ‘Knitted with Love’, can be found at https://hamlinfistulauk.org/knitted-with-love/
