Residents knit for babies at Luton & Dunstable University Hospital

Residents at HC-One’s Thorn Springs Care Home, in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, have put their knitting skills to heartwarming use by creating baby hats for the Neonatal Department at Luton & Dunstable University Hospital.

When staff at the hospital revealed they were running low on knitted hats for their tiny patients, members of Thorn Springs’ much-loved Knitter Natter group decided to help. The ladies quickly set to work, creating a beautiful collection of hats to keep the babies warm and comfortable.

On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Thorn Springs residents Hazel Fountain and Stella Rose, together with Care Assistant Zoe Pearson, visited the hospital to deliver the hats. The team also brought along a box of chocolates as a small token of appreciation for the hardworking staff.

The group received a heartfelt thank you letter from the hospital, praising the residents’ generosity and kindness. Hazel and Stella said they were touched by the warm welcome they received.

Hazel Fountain, HC-One’s Thorn Springs resident, said:

“It made me feel good doing something nice for the babies.”

Stella Rose, HC-One’s Thorn Springs resident, stated:

“They were over the moon about the hats as they were running out. Lots of nurses came out to thank us. It was a shame we didn’t get to see any of the little babies though.”

Zoe Pearson, HC-One’s Thorn Springs Care Assistant, said:

“It was lovely to see the smiles on Hazel and Stella’s faces as they handed over the hats. They were made to feel so appreciated by the team at L&D.”

Charmaine Norrish, Fundraising Manager for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity, commented:

“Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity is always grateful for the incredible knitting talents within our community.

“A heartfelt thank you to Thorn Springs Care Home for the generous donation of these wonderful items. They will make a big difference to our smallest patients.”

Thorn Springs looks ahead to autumn – a season of warmth, comfort, and togetherness, it’s now the perfect time to think about finding a kind and welcoming home for the colder months ahead.

Thorn Springs is just one of over 280 kind and cosy HC-One homes across the UK, and new residents can experience 4 weeks for the price of 3 when they join before 30th November 2025.

Embrace the warmth of a kind community this autumn – visit Thorn Springs - Care Home in Dunstable, Bedfordshire| HC One and find out more about life at the home.

click here for more details or to contact Thorn Springs