大象传媒

Who are we?

We are, like you ordinary members of the community. We are people who like to help in our community and in fact in any community. Some of us have been knitting for our local hospitals' baby units for almost 30 years.

In 1999 we "banded" together in answer to Councillor Ray Stafford's plea for 'Unity in the Community' whilst he was Mayor of Crewe and Nantwich Borough. Ray who is still a Crewe and Nantwich Borough Councillor has stayed by our side, taken great interest as our President and meets up to 100 of us twice yearly at our gatherings.

Our name The Ray of Hope was formed on 3rd February 1999 at our meeting of about 50 of us at the Municipal Chambers and the Mayor's Parlour with Ray in the chair.

Why do we do it?

One question we are often asked is 'why do you do it'? We do it - because we can. We saw a need and a gap where we could help, and that is why we are doing it.

We started out with knitting and sewing (when we could find sewers) for our own local Maternity and Neonatal Units at Leighton Hospital Crewe, in South Cheshire, England UK. We steadily progressed as people joined us with cross stitching, crochet, quilting, card making etc.

With all the wonderful help and community spirit we have since found we are able to man a stall alternate Fridays in the main Outpatients department at Leighton Hospital Selling knitted baby/ children's wear from size 10" to 28" (25cms to 71cms) chest size.

Knitted soft toys, blankets, shawls, cross stitch items and cards. All must be brand new and (except the cards) have a baby theme. Cynthia and her volunteers man the stall, and all profits go towards the Maternity and Neonatal wards.

We do not purchase equipment, our aim is to make a friendlier environment, for the patients (whether they be mums or babies), either with clothing for the babies or furnishings for the wards.

If you would like to help us please visit our How can you help

How we can help...

As our site has grown we have had help and offers from all over the country and in fact beyond. We are now privileged to be able to offer help to other hospitals in Great Britain, or individuals who find they suddenly need these small items.

If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or just a friend of someone who needs things urgently for a low birth weight baby, please do not hesitate to ask. We can also help with clothes for tinies who do not make the journey.

Our first aim is to provide the little cardigans and bonnets for babies on the Neonatal ward. If your baby is on ward 24 and is still small (i.e. 2lb-5lb) the ward staff will have clothes to fit baby.

Contact us

If you would prefer to have your own cardigans to launder and keep, then please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always here to help you.

We do NOT charge for cardigans for special care babies still on the unit, however if you wish to make a small donation we are happy to accept, but please do not feel obliged. You may wish to purchase items, if baby is still small when they go home.

To get in touch with us please send an e-mail to Christine Cooper: chris@rayofhope.co.uk

Telephone 01270 582187