This is a little project that begun in 2002. The idea originated in America and this is a short story of how it started here in Ireland.
It all began for Heart Children Ireland when I attended one of Heart Children’s Annual General Meetings. I had just had a baby with CHD. There was a pile of blankets on a table at the AGM and they were looking for someone to help set the project up here in Ireland.
It was called Project Linus in America but we had to change the name to Henry Bear Blanketeers. So, being a dress designer and, having had to give up my job to look after my heart baby, I needed something to keep myself busy so, I volunteered. Now I had to look for sewers and knitters, and what better place, than The Irish Patchwork Society.
These ladies over the years have been truly amazing. Blankets have come from every corner of Ireland. We have our own Linda Martin who sews non-stop for us, and I am sure many of you have quilts from her. I have two ladies Máire Jones and Peggy Preston working on the knitters in the Rush, Skerries and Wicklow areas.
We have also received blankets from Limerick Prison. When I receive the blankets I pack up my car and head over to Crumlin. The blankets are given to the children in ICU who take them home when they leave hospital and get extra cuddles with their family and friends.
Brenda Mohan