A member of St John’s Baptist Church in Old Malden has crocheted more than 900 blankets for premature babies, but says she won’t stop until she’s reached at least 1,000.

Maureen Hawkins, better known as “Granny Mo”, has made in excess of 900 blankets since the year 2000 for the Born Too Soon charity, which supports premature babies at Kingston Hospital’s neonatal unit.

She said: “In 1999 I saw a Carlton television programme asking people to do something extra in the year 2000, so I promised to make two blankets a month.

“However, I got the bug for it and made 100 that year. “When I deliver the blankets I often see the babies – just tiny morsels of life yet born fighters.

“Their parents often aren’t prepared when the babies arrive early.”

“The babies will have the blankets in their cribs, and afterwards they’ve been put into memory boxes or passed onto siblings, which is lovely to hear.”

Last week, the 75-year-old delivered her 900th blanket to the hospital. And she thanked her friends and supporters for their help.

She said: “I have done several group talks about the cause and this has brought in an extra 1,187 items to the unit, including handmade hats, cardigans and bonnet ties.

“The mothers’ union at St John the Baptist Church has been extremely supportive.

When asked if she’ll carry on, she said: “Definitely. I’ll have to reach 1,000 now!”

Pat Lovegrove, an active church member, described Maureen as, “a wonderful person who will help out wherever she is needed”.

She said: “She helps with our Christmas Day for people who are on their own, and is involved with other events such as our Sunday lunch club. Maureen will see any publicity she gets as a way to promote Born Too Soon.”

Mrs Hawkins continues to get people knitting and crocheting for Born Too Soon.

Do you know an Unsung Hero? Call the newsdesk on 020 8744 4273 or email jon.sharman@london.newsquest.co.uk with your nomination.

 

MORE KINGSTON NEWS