THE Normansell family are putting their crafting skills to good use in memory of mum and grandma Susan Birks.
Susan was a patient at St Luke’s, where a syringe driver was used as part of her pain control.
A syringe driver is a small infusion pump carried by the patient which is used to gradually administer small amounts of fluid.
Daughter Emma Normansell realised that while the driver was an essential piece of equipment it was one that her mum would have preferred to use without drawing attention to it.
That’s when she came up with the idea of creating a bespoke bag, found a suitable pattern and started sewing.
“Mum knew that it was a necessary piece of equipment but it didn’t look very nice so having a bag she could pop it in made it more discreet for her when she was out and about.
“After mum died we realised that every patient who uses a syringe driver needs a new bag and so we started sewing.”
With the help of children Charlie, Millie and Freddie, Emma has now created more than 20 bags in a range of patterns, all of which come with a personalised gift tag created by the youngsters.
“Some of the bags are reversible with two different patterns because we never know if the bags will be used by a male or female patient and they have to suit all types of people,” said Emma.
“Losing mum was a sad time and a very difficult time but to be at St Luke’s made it better for the whole family – it made a massive difference.
“And now making these bags carries the link on and even if the bags just bring a little smile it’s worth it.
“St Luke’s did so much for mum so any way we can give back means so much to us.”