EDEN Valley Hospice has said that it has been 'overwhelmed' by the support for its knitted heart appeal.

The appeal, which was shared by the local charity based on Durdar Road, Carlisle in August, asked the local community to donate special knitted heart tokens that could be handed out to patients and family members. 

These are handed out with the aim of connecting patients to their families whilst they are being cared for at the Hospice.

Wendy Ashton, Palliative Care Social Worker and Family Support Team Lead at Eden Valley Hospice explained more about what the knitted hearts represent.

She said: "Knitted hearts are used at the hospice almost every single day to hand to patients and families.

"One heart remains with our patients whilst the other hearts can be taken home by their family or friends, with each person knowing their loved ones are close to their heart whenever they need them.

In addition, Wendy put on record a special thanks to the members of the local community who responded to the hospice's appeal

"These extra special tokens, which are so valued by patients and their loved ones, are created and donated by kind-hearted members of our local community who answered our request for more knitted hearts and we were overwhelmed by the response to our recent appeal. Thank you to everyone who made hearts for your continued support."

Eden Valley Hospice also took to social media to thank the local community for their efforts in supporting the appeal.

They said: "A huge thank you from us for your support.

"We no longer require donations of hearts due to having a sufficient stock which will ensure all patients and families can receive these special tokens, this is down to your continued support."