Sue's sock monkeys make good friends for sick kids

13 May 2014

For some children, coming into hospital can be a scary environment with new and different surroundings, and unfamiliar faces. Fortunately for these children Sue Edlin’s sock monkeys exist, making what can be a tearful experience into a warmer and more welcoming one.

Sue has been making sock monkeys for a couple of years, and for the past year has been donating the adorable toys to children through the TSB Children and Young People’s ward.

She started making them for her granddaughter, family and special friends, but then thought she could be giving them to other “special little people” which is why she chose the hospital. She had learned they do something similar at Starship Children’s Hospital, but wanted Taranaki kids to benefit as well.

Hospital Play Specialist, Sharon Luque said, “when kids receive them it brightens up their time in hospital and many of our regular patients bring their monkey back to hospital with them each time.”

“What Sue does for these kids is great and we really appreciate her support.”

Sharon said the sock monkeys are kept in the Paediatric Assessment Unit for children that need cheering up when they come into hospital.

It takes Sue about 2-3 hours to make one sock monkey, but she enjoys having a hobby and something to do at night time. She works part time as a practice nurse and purchases all the materials herself, including the bright coloured socks, stuffing, and extra materials to decorate the monkeys into their own characters.

Sue donates a bunch of monkeys about once a month to the hospital but knows there is a need for more. She would love to know of anyone who would like to help by making some of the monkeys or donate some of the materials needed to produce them.

If you are interested in helping Sue she would love to hear from you. Phone her on 06 753 9213, leave a message if she isn’t home.

Sue Edlin with TSB Children and Young People's Ward patient Ross Morgan (3 years) and a sock monkey.

Last updated: Tuesday, May 13, 2014