In a touching display of empathy and dedication, 15-year-old Pippa Lyons has knitted 125 hearts for the bereavement team at University Hospital Galway (UHG ). This remarkable act of kindness stems from Pippa's own experience with loss, transforming personal grief into a source of comfort for others.
The inspiration for Pippa’s project arose in March 2024, when her father received a knitted heart from UHG’s bereavement team following the passing of his mother, Pippa’s beloved grandmother Philomena Lyons. The small, tangible symbol of compassion resonated deeply with the family, offering a moment of solace during a difficult time.
Moved by the gesture, Pippa decided to contribute to this meaningful practice. She embarked on a mission to create her own collection of hearts. Recognising the scale of the task, Pippa enlisted the help of her aunt, Marie, and together, they diligently knitted 125 hearts. The collection of hearts was recently handed over to Vivian Roche-Fahy, the bereavement liaison officer at UHG.
UHG’s practice of providing knitted hearts to bereaved families began during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The simple yet powerful gesture proved to be a source of comfort for many, and the hospital has continued the tradition, recognising its enduring value in providing emotional support.
The knitted hearts serve as a tangible reminder that families are not alone in their grief, offering a small token of empathy and care during a time of immense sadness. Pippa's contribution ensures that this gesture of comfort will continue to reach those who need it most.
