THE generous work of one of Central Gippsland Health’s (CGH) most dedicated supporters is continuing thanks to an ironic stroke of fate.
CGH was saddened by the recent passing of Hilary Abel, whose service to CGH began in the 1960s when she trained and worked as a nurse until 1972.
In her later years, as a way she could continue supporting the profession she loved, when she started knitting and donating items to the Women’s and Children’s Unit at Sale Hospital. Her knitted items provided warmth and comfort for many newborn babies over almost 30 years.
After Hilary’s passing, her family decided it was time to sell her knitting needles and yarn on Facebook Marketplace. The post caught the eye of a keen knitter, who just so happens to work for CGH.
Unaware of the long history of the items, the staff member purchased Hilary’s knitting needles and yarn, and was only made aware of their busy past when speaking to the family upon collecting them.
Inspired by Hilary’s service to CGH, the staff member has lovingly continued Hilary’s legacy with the same needles and yarn.
Hilary was born in March 1947 at South Kilworth, England.
Her love for knitting began at an early age. She knitted a jumper for her father while they were travelling to Australia when she was 14-years-old.
In her personal memoir, Hilary says, “We left England at approximately 4.30pm on the Fairsky. We stayed on deck till the coast of England disappeared. It was sad leaving everyone behind.”
“When we first spotted Australia, the beaches where just beautiful, jelly fish everywhere. Getting off the boat, our legs felt funny but we soon got used to it. Must have been very hard on Dad leaving England with three kids and moving to a different country. I am very proud he did this for us.”
