On Sunday evening I finished the last border, wove in the last tail end and snipped off the last stray bit of yarn on the last blanket for Crochet For Kidneys Part 2. They’re all done! “They” being a fantastic 14 beautiful blankets for dialysis patients. That’s double the number of blankets we had for Part 1!
In total I joined hexagons, and made borders, for eight blankets. Jenny (of Thames Ditton Crafters) and Jane (of Jane’s Nice and Easy Crochet) each joined a blanket too. Thank you very much for your help ladies! Five ladies made complete blankets for which I am so very grateful. One of those five will be sent directly to the Royal Free Hospital so I don’t have a photo to show you, but I do have photos of the 14 John and I will be handing over on the 13th of March.
We chose 13 March because it’s World Kidney Day – a global awareness and education event. What better day to hand over lovingly handmade blankets to those with kidney failure? These blankets are sure to bring them comfort in both senses of the word. I know you all put so much love into each stitch and the bright colours you chose will surely cheer up any poorly person. Thank you again each every one of you!
Here they are – the 14 blankets made by 36 crocheters, from 7 countries:
Aren’t they beautiful? You have all done such an amazing job! Everyone’s hexagons have been used in these blankets. Whether you sent me two or 63, somewhere in these 14 blankets there will be a hexagon made by you. Thank you so much everyone!
I’d like to end this post with some kidney facts so that you can be aware and informed about the important role your kidneys play and what you can do to reduce the risk of kidney disease.
The main job of the kidneys is to remove toxins and excess water from our blood. Kidneys also help to control our blood pressure, to produce red blood cells and to keep our bones healthy.
Here are some ways to help reduce your risk of kidney disease:
• Keep the Pressure Down – High blood pressure accelerates kidney damage. To protect yourself from kidney disease you should monitor your blood pressure regularly and maintain a diet low in salt and saturated fats.
• Keep fit and active – This helps reduce your blood pressure and therefore reduces the risk of kidney disease.
• Don’t smoke – Cigarette smoking slows blood flow to the kidneys, decreasing their ability to function properly. Quit smoking to slow the progression of kidney disease.
• Eat healthily and keep your weight in check – This can help prevent diabetes, heart disease and other conditions associated with kidney disease.
• Know your kidney function – If anyone in your family has suffered from kidney disease, if you are diabetic or if you are of Asian or African ancestry, it is particularly important to get your kidney function checked by your GP. In the western world, 30-40% of patients with kidney failure have Type 2 diabetes.
Look after yourself and your kidneys my dear readers! I need you to be healthy so when Crochet For Kidneys Part 3 is launched in the Autumn, you can help me make more blankets. Deal? Deal.
