General News
4 June, 2025
Quilts bring comfort to palliative patients
The Horsham Patchwork Quilters Group has once again wrapped the community in warmth and compassion, handing over 17 handmade quilts to the Palliative Care Nurses of Grampians Health on Tuesday, May 27.
Palliative care nurses Deb Funcke and Jody Membrey personally collected the colourful creations, thanking the group for their generosity and ongoing support.
"Because of your hard work, we are able to provide each patient with an extensive selection of quilts so they can choose something that feels personal to them," Ms Funcke said.
"For personal reasons, families like to keep the quilts after their loved one has passed, so it's reassuring to know we always have a healthy supply of them, and we are very grateful to you all."
This handover is the second year the quilting group has donated quilts for palliative care patients.
Horsham Patchwork Quilters Group president Lea Crammond said the idea began with a simple question.
"Last year was the first time we did this," Ms Crammond said.
"They (the palliative care team) had previously contacted me and asked if we knew anyone who would make some quilts for them."
"We handed over quilts last year and decided to make it an annual event.
"This year, we've handed over another 17 quilts, which they will give to their palliative care patients who are being cared for at home.
"It gives them comfort and warmth, and just cheers them up a little bit."
Ms Crammond said the project brings together the creative talents of group members while serving a greater purpose.
"They're all made by the girls, giving freely their time, their effort, and the fabric.
"It's a very, very generous gift from them because quilts aren't cheap to make, but they bring so much joy and happiness."
The handover took place at the group's regular meeting venue above the Horsham Library.
"There's lots of handstitching, talking, and solving the problems of the world. It's just a lovely, generous, kind group of people."
She said the group is already planning to make more quilts next year and extended an open invitation to new members.
"If anyone would like to come and join our group, we're always looking for new members.
Ms Crammond praised the dedication of Horsham's palliative care team and the spirit of the wider community.
"In our lives, many of us have been touched by the need for palliative care," she said.
"It's a privilege for us to do this, and Horsham is a wonderful community that looks after its own, and I'm not surprised people are happy to support our palliative care team."