A quirky batch of knitted hedgehogs is bringing comfort and colour to a children’s hospital ward.
The soft toys, made by the Llangoedmor Church Knitting Group, were recently donated to Cilgerran Ward at Glangwili Hospital.
Handmade in a variety of vibrant, textured yarns, the hedgehogs offer children warmth, distraction and “comforting soft companions to cuddle whilst away from home.”
The group described the toys as “sparkling, vibrant, colourful, cute little creatures” that “were fun to knit and are sure to be a big hit with the children.”
The hedgehogs are the latest in a long line of projects by the group, which was founded in March 2017 by three or four women who originally began knitting twiddle muffs for people living with Alzheimer’s.
Now nine years on, the group has grown to 14 members—reaching full capacity for their meeting space—and their mission has expanded significantly.
Over the years, the group has produced hats, gloves, scarves and hot water bottle covers for The Wallich, a Welsh charity that supports people experiencing homelessness.
They have also knitted items for Glangwili Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit, including hats, cardigans, blankets, cannula covers and mother-and-baby bonding squares.
Their creative efforts have also extended to teddy bears and hats for children’s wards, and to care homes, which they have supported with knee blankets and shawls.
While most of their projects have focused on Wales and nearby communities, the group has also lent its support to international causes.
In the past, they have knitted jumpers for child refugees in Europe and created garments for “fish and chip babies” in Kenya—infants who, due to extreme poverty, were once sent home wrapped only in newspaper.
One of the group’s most ambitious and memorable efforts came in 2024, with their Plentitude of Poppies display.
To mark both Armistice Day and the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, members knitted more than 2,000 poppies to decorate Llangoedmor Church.
The stunning display drew hundreds of visitors and raised £2,300, which was divided between the church and the Royal British Legion.
Following the event, the group thanked everyone who helped make it possible.
The group said: "The group would like to thank the Vicar, church wardens and members of the church as well as the local community for their support over the last nine years."
Although the group has achieved a great deal, members are always open to new ideas and are happy to receive donations of wool.
Suggestions for future knitting projects—as well as unwanted or leftover balls of yarn—are very welcome.
Anyone wishing to contribute or learn more can contact Cecilia on 01239 615687 or Margaret on 01239 615553.
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