Save the Children has called on Paul O'Grady to get cracking on learning how to knit as part of our biggest ever campaign to help save children's lives.
Tuesday 25 March 2008
Save the Children called on the nation to knit blankets back in the '80s. Now that knitting is making a surprising comeback, we've launched 'Knit One, Save One' as part of our campaign to show just how simple it is to help save children's lives.
The woolly hats that TV presenter Paul O'Grady and other supporters knit will help prevent babies losing vital body heat through their heads. It takes just 2 minutes for a wet, newborn baby to lose a dangerous 2°C in body temperature. This makes them more prone to pneumonia - a disease that still kills around 2 million children each year.
One country that will be receiving hats sent in by supporters is Tibet. Programme Manager Tashi Tsering says: "Parents do everything they can to protect their babies from cold. But the most important thing - putting a hat on the baby's head - is neglected. That's like leaving a thermos bottle filled with hot water but without a lid."
Paul O'Grady says: "I've never picked up knitting needles in my life, but Save the Children has challenged me to get learning. If something as simple as a knitted hat can help save a child's life, then we should all get knitting!
"I've just come back from South Africa, where I saw hundreds of children whose lives desperately need saving. If I can knit, then anyone can! It's as simple as its name - knit one, save one!"
We're asking everyone who knits a hat to pin a short message to it asking Gordon Brown to prioritise saving children's lives. Please tell him why he must act today. We'll make sure your message reaches him.
More information
Our knit-kit gives clear instructions to supporters like Paul O'Grady who've never knitted before, and information on where to send your life-saving hats.
We want 10 million people to take action for the 10 million children still dying before the age of five. Find out about other simple ways you can help to save a child's life.