28 May 2020

Staff at St Michael's Hospital are asking the community to knit two identical bears for families.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, partners now have to leave soon after the birth of a new baby. 

Of the two knitted bears, one will stay with the mother and baby at the hospital and the other will go with the partner.

Matron Sara-Jane Sheldon said: "I have witnessed many tears and anxious moments as the partner says goodbye at the lift.

"I hope these bears will help people to feel more connected while they are apart.

"We have approximately 15 births a day so quite a few are needed!"

The bears must be approximately six inches but can be any design of your choosing. If you need a pattern, you can find a range below.

Once finished, please send them to:

Sara-Jane Sheldon
Matron for CDS
St. Michael’s Hospital
Southwell Street
BRISTOL
BS2 8EG

Please include a note saying who it’s from, a date when the bears were made and that they were made by an Above & Beyond volunteer. 

Any questions please contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator Lindsey on [email protected]. 

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Pattern one

Pattern two