Hospice volunteer captures special words from patients to create a ‘cloth of kindness’

A hospice volunteer has captured the special and heartwarming words of patients in a ‘cloth of kindness’.

Barbara Evans dedicated a month of her time to preserve messages from patients, clinical staff and volunteers at Nightingale House Hospice by creating a unique tapestry.

Coined a ‘cloth of kindness’, the creation has been displayed in the hospice’s Wellbeing Centre.

Providing comfort to patients and their families during unimaginable times is at the forefront for the Wrexham hospice.

Wellbeing Centre Lead Carolyn James discussed the importance of this project: “The ‘cloth of kindness’ was made for the Wellbeing Centre.

“Each patch has meaningful words from patients, staff and volunteers, with thoughts of compassion.

“It shows how simple acts of kindness can make a big difference to patients when they are finding life difficult.

“The cloth of kindness will bring comfort and happiness, which can help a patient’s wellbeing and create positive feelings.

“This gives patients a sense of purpose, strength, and self-worth during difficult times.”

Volunteer Barbara Evans explained more about the creation she has made: “It took a few hours at a time over a month to complete the ‘cloth of kindness’.

“We have messages from the patients, clinical team, and volunteers. I did enjoy creating it. I was very mindful about being entrusted with preserving the meaningful words of the patients on this tapestry.

“Some people embroidered their own words onto pieces of cloth, and others I embroidered.”

Discussing why she has volunteered at the Wrexham hospice for over two decades, Barbara said: “I have volunteered at the hospice on and off since 1999.

“I keep coming back because I know what the hospice means to people, and if I can help them, then why not.

“This place is a very positive place. I always enjoy the time we spend with the patients.

“Even in the darkest of times, we always see the sunshine here, at Nightingale House.

“I wanted to reflect that when I was creating this project, to help other people in their time of need.”