Thursday 1 December 2011

Christmas Flower Demonstrations


Well, it's the 1st of December so I am thinking 'Christmas Flower Demonstrations' - something which has been on  my mind and in the planning stages for a while now.

This year I want to make my Dem's a little extra special and have decided to give a charitable donation to a cause which has deeply touched me over the last couple of months.

On the 2nd of October a good friend's daughter, Lucy (who is the same age as my daughter - they are both horsey and are members of the same Pony Club) was rushed in to Harrogate Hospital with an unexplained illness. Lucy had been competing in a One Day Event that weekend but suddenly began to feel poorly - as her symptoms developed, she began to slurr her words, drinks were dripping out of her mouth and her face started to spasm. This must have been utterly terrifying for all around her. Following her admission to Harrogate Hospital, she was scanned and sent to the Leeds General Infirmary - where she was operated on that night. The fear was that Lucy may have had a brain tumour or an abscess. Thankfully (! of the two ...), the results showed that it was an abscess - but this wasn't the final word. The days and weeks which followed were like a scarey Rollercoaster ride - good news followed bad and so on - she even had to be put in an isolation room when there was an outbreak of a sickness bug! Well, Lucy was eventually transferred back to Harrogate but did spend the best part of two months in hospital. Apparently the abscess was caused by an infection somewhere else in her body - they think from a mouth ulcer!!!

It's the 1st of December now and Lucy has been back to school (part-time). The latest scans have shown that Lucy's brain is almost back to normal and she certainly looks like her old self again - a beautiful young lady (who has shown courage, bravery and strength way beyond her years!)

It is extremely difficult to sum-up the emotions of the past couple of months - Lucy's mum, Jayne, has been an absolute tower of strength - well, on the outside at least! (her brother Ben and dad Richard have been incredible also - I don't know them so well but know they have given all their love and support).

I guess this hit me hard because of the similarity of our daughters - it's just terrifying how fragile life can be at times (what if she'd fallen off her gorgeous horse, Darcy,  during the XC phase of the One Day Event - oh, don't go there!). All-in-all Lucy is very lucky really and we are all so so pleased and relieved to 'have her back'.

Jayne has told me of the tremendous support they received from both Harrogate and LGI hospitals - she just cannot thank them enough.

So, I feel I would really like to try to do my little bit by donating 20% of all takings, on the day, from my Christmas Flower Dem's this year to Jayne's chosen Charity to help Paediatric Neurology - Jayne will be here for the Demonstration on Friday 9th and I'm sure she will be delighted to tell you more on the day. I have decided to hold the first one (inside my home!) on Friday 9th December 11am to 1pm - no rush to leave though! (if there is sufficient demand, I will be able to do one or possibly 2 more - TBC). In addition, I will donate £5 from each ticket sold (just £15 each for the demonstration + mulled wine and mince pies, goody bags to the first 10 bookings AND a raffle to win a Christmas Door Wreath!).

A Christmas Door Wreath - natural dried fruits, spices and chillies - heaven scent! You may win something similar for your front door...
Christmas Rose (Helebore), Akito Rose, Tulips, Gypsohila, Eucalyptus and Diamantee details - White Christmas may be your theme this year...

A Christmassy (from a Wedding Fayre) display - I will show you some top-tips which I may have been using this year in the many Wedding floral displays I have created!


I very much look forward to welcoming you to my festive home - best get my magic wand out and crack-on with the preparations! Shhh... don't tell my hubby the tree's going up!!!

Please email me: info@blushbespokeflowers.co.uk for further information.

Merry Christmas!


Sharon xxx