North Swindon MP Welcomes Octopus For A Preemie Supporters To Community Office

Justin Tomlinson MP has met with a local group of residents who are supporting the charity Octopus for a Preemie UK.

The charity sees groups of men & women get together to knit and crochet small octopuses for premature babies. The group chose an octopus as its symbol as the knitted tentacles resemble the umbilical cord which comforts & soothes the baby and therefore prevents them from pulling at hospital tubes and leads.

Statistics show that each year in the UK 60,000 babies, roughly 1 in 13, are born prematurely (e.g before 37 weeks).

The group, which consists of people across the country but is being led locally by Sophie Willis, now supplies to 15 different hospitals on the post-natal wards. The group were able to make full use of Justin’s community office, holding one of their local meetings whilst showing off their fantastic knitwork.

Justin has actively worked to back groups which support families who experience premature birth, having also hosted several events for the charity Bliss.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: "It was a pleasure to welcome Octopus for a Preemie UK to my community office to see what they have doing first hand. Premature birth affects 1 in 13 people and I have actively worked to raise awareness of this locally. Octopus for a Preemie UK is an excellent charity, whose knitted toys make a huge difference."