A NEWCASTLE grandmother, who was born prematurely 87 years ago, has spent the past 40 years helping other premature babies on Tyneside and around the world.
When Margaret Thompson was born at home in Bedlington in 1938 – just before the outbreak of WW2 – her mother ran for the priest to christen her as it was not thought she would survive.
But now, not only does Margaret – the second of nine children – have two grandchildren of her own, but she has supported babies across the globe, knitting and crocheting blankets.
And, because she is now registered blind in her right eye and partially sighted in her left, she relies on her sense of touch to create her blankets, working for 90 per cent of the process on touch alone.
Now a resident at Brunswick House residential care home, at Gosforth – which is owned by Prestwick Care – Margaret learned to knit when she was just five years old.
And, in the past 11 months alone she has created more than 70 blankets for the premature baby unit at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.
“She has made so many blankets over the years that she has lost count,” said home manager Louise Burnyeat, “but it runs into many thousands.
“Starting her blankets can be challenging, so she often asks a friend for assistance and, once the initial groundwork is done, her friend hands the project over to Margaret to complete.
“Then, after she finishes her blankets, they are washed and given to her daughter, Gillian’s, goddaughter, who works as a midwife at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.”
Along with the RVI blankets, Margaret has knitted clothing and blankets for her family, and her work has also benefited children in need across the globe, with items shipped as far afield as Kenya.
She has also knitted and crocheted many items for Trinity Church, Gosforth to help raise funds and still participates in Sunday services at St. Cuthbert’s in Brunswick Village.
“I like to help people who need my assistance,” said Margaret. “I can’t sit idle; I must be doing something.
“It passes the time, is very therapeutic and keeps my mind and hands active.
“When the weather is nice, I enjoy sitting in the sun with a cup of tea and crocheting. It is lovely to know that I can help the babies at the RVI.”
Brunswick House – which is owned by Prestwick Care – provides care for 41 adults over 65, those with dementia and those needing nursing or personal care.
For more information visit https://www.prestwickcare.co.uk/our-homes/brunswick-house-newcastle/