IT started out as a simple request for some little knitted hats for babies at the Princess Anne Maternity Unit and it has turned into an avalanche of goodwill.

Little did anaesthetic practitioner Kirsty Thompson know that her quick post on Facebook appealing for baby hats would strike a chord with so many people.

Kirsty said: “It really has been overwhelming. Wonderful, but overwhelming.”

Staff at the busy unit where more than 6,500 babies are born each year had some stocks of hand-knitted hats but, because these are given out to individual babies and not re-used, the supply was running out.

“Newborn babies need to keep warm,” explained labour ward co-ordinator Rebecca Talbot.

“They spend nine months in the mother’s womb at 37 degrees and they’re quite cosy in there. But they soon lose their heat when they’re born and this can lead to lower blood sugar levels which makes them vulnerable to infection.”

New parents sometimes forget to bring in a hat for their baby or bring in one that’s not the right size. “We need them for premature babies as well and these are quite tiny,” added Rebecca.

Kirsty’s post went out on a Thursday in February and she thought no more about it. “I was busy and didn’t really look at my phone until the following Monday although I did keep hearing these pings all the time.

“When I did look, I got a real shock. The post had been viewed 25,500 times and there were just so many messages from people offering to knit and asking more about the babies.”

What followed was even more amazing. Knitted hats, blankets, toys, cardigans and complete baby outfits started arriving at the Maternity Unit for Kirsty.

They came from all over Bolton and Wigan but also from people in Wales and Ireland and even from Switzerland and Canada. “We just couldn’t believe what was happening,” said Rebecca, who has joined Kirsty sorting out the items.

“Some people had even made burial robes from wedding dresses for the little babies that sadly die."

Along with the hundreds of items have come a flood of letters and notes from well-wishers. The first one to arrive with a consignment of hats was from a group of women in their 80s and 90s who live in a nursing home.

“Everyone just wanted to help and make something that could be useful,” said Kirsty.

And useful they have already proved to be. Maternity staff have been able to have a stock of hats on the wards for newborns and have also given out little knitted blankets when needed.

One of the midwives, Jude Shepherd, has also been knitting cute octopus soft toys which mimic the cord in the womb, which babies like to hold. These join the teddies, elephants and monkeys sent in by kind-hearted knitters.

“What is so wonderful is the amount of time that has been taken making all these items,” said Rebecca. “Wool isn’t cheap, either - people have gone to so much trouble.”

As well as supplying the unit with hats, blankets and clothing when needed, Kirsty and Rebecca are holding a sale of some of the knitted items on the International Day of the Midwife on May 3. There will be a variety of raffles, bake sales and other fundraising, with all proceeds going to the campaign to improve normal births.

Kirsty said: “We just want to thank everyone who has sent in items and say that we will still accept those currently being made. We are just very grateful for all the support. It does make a difference.”