Galgorm Collection Funds Initiative Bringing Warmth to Antrim Hospital’s Tiniest Patients
Braidwater Seniors Using Funds to Knit Hats and Blankets for Babies
MEMBERS of Braidwater Seniors, based in Harryville, Ballymena, are set to be busy over the coming months bringing warmth to some of Antrim Area Hospital’s tiniest patients by knitting hats and blankets for babies following a funding boost from Galgorm Collection.
Established to help tackle isolation and loneliness among older people living in the Harryville area, the Braidwater Seniors have been active for a number of years and currently donate items of clothing to the Neonatal Unit in Antrim Area Hospital approximately three times per year. With the funding from Galgorm Collection, the organisation will be able to purchase additional wool to support their essential work.
“There are approximately 20 members in our group, and we been donating to the hospital for a number of years now,” said Lily Patterson from Braidwater Seniors.
“The group was set up to help tackle loneliness and to help those struggling with isolation to socialise and make new friends. It makes us very proud to know that we’ve not only achieved that but we’re also supporting local families and their babies which means so much to everyone here.”
Julie Elliott, a nurse practitioner in the neonatal unit at Antrim Area Hospital said they simply couldn’t manage without the clothing donations from the Braidwater Seniors.
“Some of the babies that we treat in the neonatal unit are extremely small,” Jule explained. “As the babies move from an incubator to a cot, we need to ensure that their body temperature is regulated, and this is where the donations of hats and blankets from the Braidwater Seniors are so important.
“Some babies could have as many as four blankets wrapped around them at a time as well as a hat. The work of the Braidwater Seniors is making a huge difference to these children and their families, especially at a time when many are so vulnerable. We’re very grateful to the organisation and are looking forward to receiving even more donations thanks to the additional funding from Galgorm Collection.”
Tara Moore, Associate Director of Spa Operations at Galgorm Collection, said the initiative reflects the company’s strong commitment to community support.
“At Galgorm Collection, we are dedicated to supporting a range of community projects that are helping to create meaningful change, and this is no different,” Tara added.
“The Braidwater Seniors are making a tangible impact on local families, and we are proud to contribute towards their excellent initiative. Projects like this echo our ethos of supporting organisations that help to strengthen our communities, even the very youngest amongst us. Well done to Braidwater Seniors, keep up the brilliant work!”
Galgorm Collection is a major local employer and has dramatically scaled up its hospitality footprint and workforce over the last decade. As its growth continues, so does the company’s unwavering commitment to both economic impact and community support.
