Christmas was made a little brighter for worried parents of premature and sick newborns thanks to the incredible efforts of local volunteers. The BLISS Knitters of Surrey, Sussex, and Hampshire donated Christmas gifts to 62 Special and Intensive Care baby units across the south. On Christmas morning, more than 1,400 families from Truro to Margate found a stocking and teddy on their baby’s incubator or cot. These thoughtful surprises brought joy on a difficult day and became treasured keepsakes. The BLISS Knitters also donated red hats, blankets, and sets of matching cardigans, hats, and boots to each hospital.

It's thanks to local papers that the Knitters got off the ground almost 37 years ago. Dianne Bennett of Haslemere BLISS wrote a letter which was published in local newspapers. She called for volunteers to knit little cardigans for the Royal Surrey Baby Unit, and within a week, more than 40 people had signed up. Today, that number has grown to 630 volunteers across three counties, from Camberley to Chichester, and Cranleigh to Alton.

Dianne’s personal experience as a mother of three premature babies inspired her lifelong commitment to neonatal care. Her second son tragically died at just six hours old, and the care her children received motivated her to get involved with BLISS in 1984. She founded the Haslemere BLISS branch in 1985, which has been actively raising funds and supporting families for decades.

Each year, the volunteers knit hundreds of items, which are distributed to hospitals by courier or post. Dianne is grateful to the Shottermill Great War Memorial Trust for a £900 grant to help cover expenses in 2025. With collection centres in Haslemere, Farnham, Godalming, and Cranleigh, new recruits are always welcome to join. To volunteer, email Dianne at [email protected] or call 01428 642320.