Sale care home resident knits clothes for newborn babies

Olive Lumb is a resident of New Care's Ashlands Manor Care Centre, situated in Ashlands, and has been found putting her knitting skills to good use.

The 94-year-old loves to knit and wanted to challenge herself, so she set herself the task of knitting essential items, such as cardigans and hats, for the neo-natal department at her local maternity ward.

Olive created her own basket, called 'completed baby knits', and got to work filling it with baby clothes.

Once it was full to the brim, the care home arranged a visit to the maternity unit so that Olie could hand deliver her gifts in person.

Olive said: “I really enjoy knitting and it was great to be able to knit for the newborn babies at Wythenshawe Hospital. 

"I was thrilled to deliver the cardigans and hats to the neo-natal ward and meet with some of the nurses, who said the items would be greatly appreciated.”

Olive hand delivered her knitted goods to the hospital (Image: Ashlands Manor)

Ian Lumb, Olive's son who accompanied her to the hospital, added: "Mum is a talented lady and loved by all. 

"She is naturally very caring and wanted to do something to help others and the family are so proud of her and what she achieved."

He said it was "wonderful" to be by his mother's side as she gave her gifts out to the nurses at Wythenshawe Hospital.

Debbie Winstanley, wellbeing assistant at Ashlands Manor, said: “We encourage all residents to continue with their hobbies and interests, as well as try new ones, with the aim of stimulating and retaining independence, both of which are so important. 

"Olive loves to knit and it was lovely to see her busy during the day making the cardigans and hats for the newborn babies.

“She was determined to hand deliver the items to the maternity ward and it was a pleasure to organise this for Olive. 

"The hospital staff welcomed her with open arms and could not thank her enough for her kind donation.”