LOROS have been overwhelmed after receiving hundreds of offers from people across the country willing to create bags for them that will be used to put patients’ belongings in after they have died and then given to their family.
The huge response comes after the Hospice made an appeal on Facebook, which been commented on more than 700 times, shared nearly 2,000 and reached more than 225,000 people.
If people would like to make eco-friendly bags the Hospice will replace the current plastic bags and cardboard boxes used to put belongings of patients in after they have died, before they are given to their family.
Jo Hyde, Head of Inpatient and Day Therapy at LOROS, said: “We can’t believe what a fantastic response we received to our bag appeal, it really is amazing.
“We even had to set up a new email address especially for the responses because of the huge amount of people getting in touch.
“It is already such a difficult time for families when a loved one dies and being able to take belongings home in something a bit nicer than a plastic bag or box, will make a difference.
“From old curtains, to pillow cases you are about to throw out, the bags have come in all sorts of shapes and forms.”
The bags, which can be any size and made from any clean and sturdy material, are also eco-friendly and re-usable, which ties in with the greener approach the Hospice is trying to take going forward.
“We are grateful to those who have already created bags and also those who have donated materials for us to make bags with,” added Jo.
“From youngsters, to grandparents and from those who already supported LOROS, to those who had never even heard of the charity, we have had people get in touch from across the country offering to help.
“A lot of people have been asking for a pattern or template but we are very keen to encourage people to be as creative as they want when producing their bags because each of them is unique.”
Among those who have kindly made bags for LOROS is schoolgirl Chloe Parmer, who used material given to her for her birthday for her creations.
“Mum told me about the post and I love to help out charities and getting involved with good causes,” said 12-year-old Chloe, of Oadby, who has labelled her bags with cardboard hearts which say ‘made with 100 per cent love, by Chloe.P’.
“I now know lots about LOROS too.
“I’m going to go and make some more this summer.”
If you would like to make a LOROS bag or have some spare material that the Hospice could use, then please email ecobags@loros.co.uk
