This is why hidden hand-made heart decorations have been popping up over Sheffield

A series of hand-crafted, crocheted hearts have been spotted in hiding places across a Sheffield neighbourhood.
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Nearly 100 hand-made multicoloured heart decorations have been found in secret hiding spots in Hillsborough by residents during the coronavirus lockdown.

The crocheted gifts are disinfected and sealed in a clear bag, alongside a note which reads ‘If found, please facebook a pic Hearts of Hillsborough’.

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Residents posted pictures of the secret crocheted gifts they had found in parks, at tram stops and on the side of the street - trying to work out who had made them.

Nearly 100 heart-shaped decorations have been hidden over HillsboroughNearly 100 heart-shaped decorations have been hidden over Hillsborough
Nearly 100 heart-shaped decorations have been hidden over Hillsborough

The person behind the Hearts of Hillsborough community project is NHS worker, Hayley Vippond – who initially hoped to keep her identity hidden.

The 30-year-old mum was inspired after brightly decorated rocks with secret messages started appearing all over the city in 2018.

Hayley hopes the hidden heart decorations will help entertain people and children while the country remains in lockdown.

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“I’ve decided that in these uncertain times we could all do with a little extra love, so i have crocheted lots of hearts to be hidden in and around Hillsborough so that as a community we feel the love and have fun finding them.

Hayley Vippond is behind the community project which she hopes will cheer residents up during the lockdown.Hayley Vippond is behind the community project which she hopes will cheer residents up during the lockdown.
Hayley Vippond is behind the community project which she hopes will cheer residents up during the lockdown.

“I wanted to do something similar to spread a little bit of love around the community and for people to try and have a bit of fun along the way.

“I think children need a little more to look forward too as well, I know how excited my son gets when he finds a Sheffield rock so I'm hoping it brings the same excitement for others too.”

Hayley, who lives in Hillsborough, encourages people to look out for the hand-made hearts while doing their daily exercise or essential travel.

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The clinical support worker believes the secret packages have been well received after one Facebook user said in a post: “My son found this in Hillsborough park, it was in packaging and said it was from a group 'hearts of Hillsborough'.

“Thank you so much it's beautiful!”

She plans to continue making and hiding the heart-shaped decorations for the next couple of months.