Two friends raise £889 for Martin House Children's Hospice in Wetherby selling handmade wreaths and crafts

Jayne Geall, whose daughters Lily-Rose, 24, and Tia, 18, have been supported by Martin House Children’s Hospice for many years, and friend Tracy Hoyle, who is also a personal assistant to the girls, were inspired to make wreaths to sell after seeing similar items in shops.

Jayne said: “We’ve always enjoyed doing crafts with the girls, and we saw these wreaths in a shop and thought we’d have a go at doing our own.”

The two friends started out last year with autumnal wreaths, then Christmas wreaths and table centres last year, followed by spring wreaths, and then branched out into making jewellery, bag charms and key rings.

Tracey said: “We’re both really creative, but we surprised ourselves with how good they were, and we sold everything.

"I took the jewellery and smaller items, and had a stall at a summer fair and made £100.”

Jayne added: “We had a great time making them, the girls loved it as well, and we’ve raised money for Martin House Children’s Hospice.”

Overall, the pair have raised £889 for Martin House so far, and are already working on Christmas wreaths and table centres to sell again this year, to boost their total even more.

Jayne said: “We’re already getting orders, as people have been in touch asking for particular colours, and my hairdresser has offered to put some in her shop to sell for us.

“My oldest daughter Lydia has got me making dog decorations to sell in her dog grooming shop as well.”

Jayne and husband Jim, along with Lily-Rose and Tia, have been regular visitors to Martin House Children’s Hospice for respite stays, as well as enjoying events like the family Christmas party and LodgeFest – their mini-music festival.

Sadly, Tia became seriously unwell earlier this year with sepsis and pneumonia, and died at Martin House Children’s Hospice in August.

Jayne said: “When the doctors told us there was nothing else they could do, we said we didn’t want her to die in a hospital, we needed to get her to Martin House.

“They were absolutely amazing and got us there really quickly.

"Everyone at the hospital and the hospice were incredible.

“Tia’s still going to be with us all the time, we’ve got so many special memories.”

For more information and to make an order, visit Charity Crafts for Martin House