News 2016
Christmas Delivery 2016
Our 4th Annual Christmas delivery to Milton Keynes University Hospital took place on Thursday 22nd December, we provided presents & chocolates to over 100 children & babies who were in hospital that day or who had a routinue appointment over Chirstmas, we visited The Children's Ward, PAU, Children's A&E, Comminuty Nurses & Neonatal Unit.
We also gave 200 selection boxes to The Redway School for pupils & their siblings.
We also gave 200 selection boxes to The Redway School for pupils & their siblings.
The Knight Family Christmas Lights
We are thrilled to have been chosen for the 3rd year running as the chosen charoty for the Chirstmas Lights at The Knight Families home, every year they put on a HUGE display & already this year have raised over £500 for us..... blown away!!
Thank you so so much for your ongoing support it means so much to us :-)
Thank you so so much for your ongoing support it means so much to us :-)
easycopiers bring out their Christmas Spirit
Thank you to easycopiers for once again supporting Emily's Star, this time with a Christmas Jumper day on Monday 19th December, raising just over £100 - how awesome do they all look too!!
Thanks Ferryman
Thank you to Mike & Team at The Ferryman in Southampton for raising a HUGE £391.00 for us at their Back Room Bash 2016 - your support means the world to us :-)
Tesco Fun Weekend
10th & 11th December saw Emily's Star have its first weekend in Tesco Kingston, we were totally blow away by the support from Staff & Shoppers, raising just over £800 & nearly 3 trolleys FULL of donations towards our Christmas appeal, it truly was an awesome weekend :-)
Annual Christmas Craft Fair another great success
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2016 saw some fanatstic local businesses set up stalls at our Annual Christmas Craft & Gift Fair...
With hundreds of people piling in & picking up the greatest unique presents it really was a great day. Raising us a cool £1160.22 in the process. Thank you to everyone for their support. |
Wolverton Food Festival |
Full House at our 1st Bingo night |
Katie, Jen & Tricia manning the stall 20.11.2016
The 1st Wolverton Winter Food Festival took place on Sunday 20th, we attended with a tombola & merchandise.
We raised just over £150 & very much enjoyed our day filled with awesome stalls & beautiful places to eat... Looking forward to their summer one already. |
Bingo Night 19.11.2016
Saturday 19th November saw Emily's Star first ever bingo night, raising just over £500
It was a full house, thank you to everyone who attending & Stantonbury Sports & Social Club, this will become a regular event so keep an eye out for more dates in 2017. This event was sponsored by: Sweet Temptation, Saf's Kitchen, Stylish Events ,Baby & Kids Nearly New Sale, Popstory Parties, Aimie Boyd, Heslops removals, Be Serene, Kevin Elmer, Naomi & Forever Living and Emma Crooks & Usborne Books |
When You Wish Upon A Star
November 2016
Here is our lovely James with his Ipad. James' parents sent in a wish request for the Ipad to aid James with his communication , after losing his hearing after contracting meningitis 2 years ago.
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Stay And Play sessionOn November 7th we held our Christmas themed stay and play session , where we created memories for some of our registered families. We would like to thank our 3 Fossil volunteers that gave up their time to pop along and help us .
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Starbucks Silbury do it again.......... |
Halloween raises over £1500 |
Thanks to Starbucks Silbury Blvd & their customers for their ongoing support with their donation bucket, another £370 raised.
We are looking forward to taking part in their 2016 #RedCupCheer also. |
Our Halloween disco at Unit Nine was a great success raising just over £500 - A huge thank you to the staff at Unit Nine & Corina's Mascots MK for your awesome support.
easycopiers based in Crownhill were also fundraising for us at MK1 throughout the day and raised a huge £1000 :-) |
Amazon depot sprinkles magic on Emily's Star
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Thanks To Amazon MK for their £1000 donation of items from our Amazon Wish List .
Staff from our local warehouse joined together & picked Emily's Star for a grant for £1,000 We used the money to fund sensory equipment, a camera, walkie talkies, Christmas presents & more.. |
Thanks From Baby Chase
"I want to say a huge thank you for the work you do! On the 29th of October I had my son, Chase, at 31 weeks and 3 days due to me having pre-eclampsia he was only 2lb 8 when he was born but was very strong! The day after I had him I was given an Emily's Star box and I don't know what I would have done without it! I have used everything in it and it was such a big help!! Thank you so much again! ❤" Mollie
Milestone Cards
We delivered our first two packs of preemie milestone cards to mum of gorgeous Lachie & Ivy ,who were born last Monday at 33 weeks at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Lachie, who today has had his CPAP removed, is using his first card💙
We hope over time to add a pack of the cards to every neonatal box we provide.
Lachie, who today has had his CPAP removed, is using his first card💙
We hope over time to add a pack of the cards to every neonatal box we provide.
Selection Box Appeal
Annual RCM Conference
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On Thursday 20th October Emily's Star were invited , by Kicks Count , to the annual Royal College Of Midwives Conference in Harrogate.
We displayed our campaign for change as well as our neonatal boxes. This event was very beneficial for Emily's Star , the midwives and hospitals that we had the pleasure of meeting. |
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Asda Welcome Emily's Star To Open Their New Store
On Monday 10th October we were thrilled to have been asked to cut the ribbon at the opening of the new Asda store in Oakridge Park , Milton Keynes.
We were also nominated by people in the community to receive a £250 donation from Asda to spend on products in store. We used this donation to purchase premature baby clothes from Asdas George range to be used in our neonatal boxes .
We were also nominated by people in the community to receive a £250 donation from Asda to spend on products in store. We used this donation to purchase premature baby clothes from Asdas George range to be used in our neonatal boxes .
Bags for Premature Babies
As much as we would like to support every hospital at present this just isn’t possible , however we are hoping by offering small bags containing a baby-grow, vest, hat & bonding Square set that every baby will get to go home in some clothes they call theirs.
From October friends, families, mums or dads can request through our website to get a bag sent directly to the hospital (must be within the UK)
Check out our Neonatal Box page for more information
From October friends, families, mums or dads can request through our website to get a bag sent directly to the hospital (must be within the UK)
Check out our Neonatal Box page for more information
Emily’s Star gains support from 3 Local Co-op Stores
We are thrilled to have been chosen at 3 Stores as a members charity :-)
Is your local co-op one of the below?
Dunthorpe Way in Grange Farm, MK8...
Highgrove Hill in Great Holm, MK8
Tanfield Drive in Broughton, MK10
If your co-op is one of the above & you’re a member please select Emily's Star as your charity (by logging in online) we will then get 1% from all your co-op food purchases....
If you haven't got a membership but want one (there is a £1 charge but does have personal benefits too) then please click on the below link & order your card & select Emily's Star :-)
www.coop.co.uk
Is your local co-op one of the below?
Dunthorpe Way in Grange Farm, MK8...
Highgrove Hill in Great Holm, MK8
Tanfield Drive in Broughton, MK10
If your co-op is one of the above & you’re a member please select Emily's Star as your charity (by logging in online) we will then get 1% from all your co-op food purchases....
If you haven't got a membership but want one (there is a £1 charge but does have personal benefits too) then please click on the below link & order your card & select Emily's Star :-)
www.coop.co.uk
Car Raffle Is Go Go Go
We are once again taking part in this years Car Raffle supported by Volkswagon, The Centre MK & The MK Community Foundation. We will be on the stall selling tickets on numerous dates throughout November , however if you cant wait or would like some books to sell in your place of work please get in touch.
Don’t forget we sold the winning ticket last year… Can we do the double :-)
Don’t forget we sold the winning ticket last year… Can we do the double :-)
Healthwatch MK 6th October 2016
Emily's Star joined over 70 different organisations in Milton Keynes for the annual Healthwatch MK, we met so many lovely people & it was lovely to explain what we do & why we do it. We also raised a lovely £55.45 which was totally unexpected.
Mazars MK Afternoon Tea
Mazars based in Milton Keynes have kindly chosen Emily’s Star as their benefactor from their Ladies Afternoon Tea at Woburn Hotel on Friday 25th November.
Spaces are limited so please get in touch with Lorraine Connolly on 01908 257 139 to book your place today. Price is £25 plus VAT per person
Spaces are limited so please get in touch with Lorraine Connolly on 01908 257 139 to book your place today. Price is £25 plus VAT per person
Snow Queen Visits Our Stay And Play Session
Monday 3rd saw our very own Snow Queen (Corinas Mascots MK) visit us & have a party, she even brought snow .Here’s our Ruby enjoying it ..
Sparkle And Glitz With Us
We are thrilled to have been chosen as the 2016 Christmas Charity for Sparkle & Glitz, 10% of sales from all parties & online sales will come to Emily’s Star up until Christmas…. How amazing…
Head to their Facebook page for more information or to check out their awesome items today- https://www.facebook.com/sparklenglitz1/
Head to their Facebook page for more information or to check out their awesome items today- https://www.facebook.com/sparklenglitz1/
October's Box making Success
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Over 20 volunteers showed up for our October’s Box making session & 150 boxes were made in just under an hour, these have been sent to different units in England including Portsmouth, St Peters, St Richards, Stoke Mandeville & Milton Keynes.
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First Fiver Frenzy
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Thank you so much to everyone who has donated their first Fiver to Emily’s Star we have been blown away by the amount which we have received.
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Christmas Card Competition Winner Announced
Check out our 2016 Christmas Card design, this was designed by 11 year old Millie from Milton Keynes, our Christmas Cards will be on sale early November .
Reptiles Roam in our Stay & Play session
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Monday 5th saw Tony’s Reptiles return for our monthly Stay & Play session, it was great to see so many families attend & enjoy the afternoon.
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Street Stylers UK & Bang on Designs join forces to help us
Local Car cruisers, Street Stylers & local business Bang on Designs joined forces to help raise money for Emily’s Star, founder of Street Stylers UK received one of our neonatal boxes for his son earlier this year & has sinced pledged to help us whenever possible…. Keep your eyes peeled for more information coming soon
Emily’s Star donated 1500th Box
Sunday 4th saw Linz, SJ & Awesome Kian donate 30 boxes to Luton & Dunstable which took us over the 1500th Box donated by us since 2012
We are human” NCS group raise over £200
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This summer Emily’s Star signed up to the NCS Summer Challenge & we met over 40 15-17 year olds who wanted to make a difference in their local area. We Are Human were just one of three groups who decided to help Emily’s Star. On Saturday 3rd September, We are human presented us with £225.25. |
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150 Neonatal boxes made on the 3rd September
150 Boxes created costing £4,800, these were split between 6 Neonatal Units:
Milton Keynes University Hospital – 40 Boxes
Luton & Dunstable Hospital – 30 Boxes
Guys St Thomas – 40 Boxes
Lister Hospital – 12 Boxes
Bedford Hospital – 12 Boxes
John Radcliffe Hospital – 16 Boxes
Milton Keynes University Hospital – 40 Boxes
Luton & Dunstable Hospital – 30 Boxes
Guys St Thomas – 40 Boxes
Lister Hospital – 12 Boxes
Bedford Hospital – 12 Boxes
John Radcliffe Hospital – 16 Boxes
Emily’s Mummy shares journey in Take A Break
1st September saw Take a Break share Emily’s Journey, Katie (Emily’s mummy) had waited a long time to gain the courage to go into the national media & with the help of a great team the story was written perfectly.
The Knight Family Shine again for Emily’s Star
In 2014 & 2015 The Knight Family in Marston Mortaine have kindly chosen us as their charity for their Christmas Light Switch on, 1st September they popped into the office to give us a HUGE cheque for £525!! Amazing!!
They have also announced we will be their 2016 charity too !
Baby Miley joins Team Emily
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Meet Baby Miley, weighing in at 3lb 12oz, Miley is our weighted doll, she will be attending all our events to show exactly how much one of the babies we supports weighs.
Her name was chosen out of 100's of suggestions however Miley is an anagram of Emily & we just loved it.... Come over at an event & meet her :-) |
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Jenson’s new hoist – joint wish from Emily’s Star & Jenson’s Fund
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"Our life at home has just been made so much easier......we have just had a H Hoist fitted thanks to Emily’s star and Jenson's fund. We have been struggling at ho...me for a long time as Jenson is so long and I can't lift him on my own, it's affected my daughters lives as when they were out they couldn't go far as I would need to call them for help so will be a lot better for them which is what I want. Emily’s star have been so amazing as getting this hoist fitted has been a very slow process and they have done all the chasing up for me which has been a great weight lifted from me so massive thanks to them for helping fund this.”
Cheri, Jenson's Mum |
Meet Jack-James and Freya-Ann
“I received two of your boxes after giving birth to my twins at 29 weeks. I can't believe how amazing they are for myself and for my babies. To have your babies rushed to SCBU is very scary and seeing how small they were, 3lbs and quickly thinking about going shopping to buy clothes which is the last thing on your mind, and having those boxes with clothes that actually fit your babies is wonderful. I will forever be grateful to you guys and everything you do. This is them wearing clothes from your boxes”
Jessica Wilson
Jessica Wilson
Emily’s Star joins NCS Summer Challenge 2016
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For the first time we were invited to take part in this summers NCS programme & met over a hundred students from Milton Keynes aged 15-17, all of whom showed such enthusiasm & energy towards helping local charities & making a difference, we cannot wait to see their ideas & work alongside them.
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Toys R Us in Portsmouth help Emily’s Star
Our Southern Rep Tony popped into his local Toys R Us in Portsmouth to collect a BIG box of premature nappies & 2x £10 gift cards to help Emily’s Star continue supporting their local unit
Stickr announce Emily’s Star Charity Partnership
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Local business Stickr have announced Emily’s Star as their official charity, after owner Gareth & his wife Gemma receieved an Emily’s Star neonatal box for their son Archie (pictured) Since then the family have supported us at every opportunity & we were delighted to have formed this great partnership with them.Stickr are donating “Emily’s Star” Car vinyls to us to distribute which can also be ordered via their website for a small fee of 50p to cover postage.
Thank you Stickr for your great support |
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Bag Packing Fun
4th August we were invited along to the reopening of our local Aldi supermarket, we spent the day collecting & bag packing & raised a cool £238.37
30th July Box Making Session
178 Boxes were made by an army of volunteers on Saturday 30th, these boxes were sent to the following hospitals:
52 To MKUH
40 to Portsmouth
A Trial to St Richards in Chichester
12 Boxes to Luton & Dunstable
22 to Macclesfield
24 to Birmingham Women's
7 to The John Radcliffe Hospital as a trial
15 remain the our office for hospital emergencies
52 To MKUH
40 to Portsmouth
A Trial to St Richards in Chichester
12 Boxes to Luton & Dunstable
22 to Macclesfield
24 to Birmingham Women's
7 to The John Radcliffe Hospital as a trial
15 remain the our office for hospital emergencies
Corina & her team rock it again, Paw Patrol Style 29th July
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A huge thank you to Corina’s Mascots MK for another fantastic event, over 60 children attended the two hour disco at Dobbie's & everyone had such a great time.
An awesome £642.99 was raised through ticket sales & stalls on the day |
Nothing beats a thank you cuddle....
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"Would just like to say a massive thank you to Katie and the Emily's Star charity for helping us out when my baby girl decided to make an early appearance. You really did an amazing job with helping us when we needed it. Although she was born at 5lb9/6lb at 34+4 She started off with your clothes hanging off her but slowly grew into them and now she's just past her due date and has grew out of them. So thank you! Ps Harper enjoyed her cuddles with you Katie xx"
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Hot, hot, hot - 22nd July
The temperature soared in July with it going over 30 degrees in Milton Keynes, we had a message from the Neonatal Unit that they were struggling with the heat so we sent along a delivery of 3 more fans to help cool everyone down.........
3 Lads, 1 car, a mountain & Wales
"This started off as a stag do idea with a couple of friends on a trip to Wales for a bit of a laugh. But we decided if we were going to do this, we might as well make it big and help out an amazing charity.
We are doing a road trip starting in Milton Keynes and going all the way around Wales we will also be climbing to the summit of Snowdon.
All we have is us 3 lads, a people carrier, tent, sleeping bag and a route. We are doing this to raise money for Emily's Star who has helped our close family no end."
These amazing lads did it all & raised £175 in the process, thank you so much :-)
We are doing a road trip starting in Milton Keynes and going all the way around Wales we will also be climbing to the summit of Snowdon.
All we have is us 3 lads, a people carrier, tent, sleeping bag and a route. We are doing this to raise money for Emily's Star who has helped our close family no end."
These amazing lads did it all & raised £175 in the process, thank you so much :-)
The sun shone for Kaylah
17th July saw us take part in the annual Kaylah Simms Foundation Funday, we were kindly invited to have a stall at the event & choose to hold a tombola, it was the most beautiful sunny day, lots of families, great music & food & we were pleased to have raised £145 :-)
A Night at The Races - raised a HUGE £152
Over 8 races we cheered & jeered as the horses jumped.....
Raising £152 the evening was a great success & a good laugh too..
Thank you hugely to our sponsors who all sponsored a race which covered the cost of the evening to ensure we could receive all the profit :-)
Sponsors:
B.Brill Plumbing & Heating
Corinas MK
MK Mobile Disco
Rose & Crown - Newport Pagnell
Stylish Events
Top Marcs
Urban Grilla
Worthinton Property Services
Raising £152 the evening was a great success & a good laugh too..
Thank you hugely to our sponsors who all sponsored a race which covered the cost of the evening to ensure we could receive all the profit :-)
Sponsors:
B.Brill Plumbing & Heating
Corinas MK
MK Mobile Disco
Rose & Crown - Newport Pagnell
Stylish Events
Top Marcs
Urban Grilla
Worthinton Property Services
Dobbie's Quiz 14th July
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Thank you so much to everyone at Dobbies for putting on such a great quiz, with 15 teams in attendance & a great raffle supplied by Tesco & Dobbies it was a fantastic evening, made even better by both 1st & 2nd place winners donating back their winnings to raise a HUGE £412.35 J
Heres our founder Katie with the winning team who later gave their £50 back to us. |
Mmmmmm Doughnuts
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Thanks to MKFM, London Link MK & Krispy Kreme for choosing us as your charity for the Doughnut Run on 14th July J |
Getting our shake on
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9th July we took to Dobbies Garden Centre with an awareness stall & our buckets, we raised an impressive £58.55. We also had some amazingly cute little visitors come & see us, Look who came to see us...... Adelina and Athena were born at 30+6 in November last year & at 8 months old now they popped into Dobbies to say thank you for their boxes...... |
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Great support once again from B Brill Plumbing & Heating Once again Ben Brill has gone further to continue supporting Emily’s Star, now offering all our supporters a 10% discount if they quote Emily’s Star on a boiler service. |
Stay & Play got messy
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Our July Stay & Play session took a messy turn with some messy play for our families, from painting, to gluing & sticking & even air drying clay moulds we had it all at this months session.
Our Stay & Play sessions are a vital part of the work we do with our registered families, a time for them to meet up & spend time with families who find themselves in a similar situation, a safe & secure environment to seek help & advice but also for the children to enjoy socialising & having fun. |
Grampy’s Handmade Bird Tables
Emily’s Grampy has a new found hobby & he is enjoying making bird tables in his spare time, from tall ones to hanging ones get in touch if you would like to buy one, prices from £25 & a £5 donation comes to Emily’s Star from every sale.
Shenley Church End Parish Council Fete – Saturday 2nd July
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Team Emily attending the Shenley Church End Parish Council Fete for the first time with an awareness stall & a SELL OUT Bottle Tombola, we raised a cool £192.53 – we are looking forward to next year already. |
We love a happy ending.........
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Baby Jack was born at 34 weeks & given one of our Emily's Gift Neonatal Boxes has been allowed home.
Daddy Jack had been keeping us updated since Baby Jack was born weighing just 3.5lb We are sending them a lifetime of memories together. We love seeing photos of your little ones showing off their Emily's Star clothes so please do send them in so we can show our amazing supporters what their donations help fund |
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Emily's Star Summer Party
Saturday 18th June we held our annual Summer Party, with amazing entertainment from Corinas MK, Food from Saf's Kitchen & outside games from King of the Castles all we needed was good weather & families.
Luckily for us the weather was on our side & our families arrived to enjoy a great afternoon of spending time together & making memories....
Luckily for us the weather was on our side & our families arrived to enjoy a great afternoon of spending time together & making memories....
Toddler Time is a great time
This months Stay & Play session was performed by Annette from Toddler Time & what an amazing session she gave, all the children were able to interact, with shakers, songs, ribbons & so much more.
Toddler Time was a great & we will definitely invite Annette back again.
Skydive for Emily 2016
Unfortunately due to bad weather our Skydive never took place on Saturday 4th June however the sun shone brightly & the skies were blue on Sunday 5th June & 5 of our jumpers were able to complete their 13,000 foot skydive.
3 of our jumpers unfortunately were unable to return on the Sunday however they have booked themselves back in over the next few months.
On Sunday 5th, Katie T, Ami, Caz, David & our very own Katie took to the skies & leaped out of a plane all for Emily's Star & our current total raised is a HUGE £2630!! Wow wow wow!!
Check out our photos..............
3 of our jumpers unfortunately were unable to return on the Sunday however they have booked themselves back in over the next few months.
On Sunday 5th, Katie T, Ami, Caz, David & our very own Katie took to the skies & leaped out of a plane all for Emily's Star & our current total raised is a HUGE £2630!! Wow wow wow!!
Check out our photos..............
Clare's Nest first delivery to MKUH
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We delivered 3 sizes, Extra Small, Small & Medium. These have been designed to be used inside incubators for babies born prematurely or underweight. The response from both nurses & parents has been fantastic & as you can see little lady looks very comfortable trying one out 💖💖💖💖💖 |
Fundraising Packs NOW available
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Does your company want to help raise money for Emily’s Star?
Does your school or college want to hold a dress down day? Well order one our Fundraising Packs today – Just click here |
Wow wow wow
I'm pleased to report that during 2015/2016 Emily's Star raised a HUGE £88,614!!!
Just incredible to see how far we have come in 4 years 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟...
This money helped so so many families but it doesn't stop there, for us to continue helping families we need your continued support, our new fundraising packs are coming soon, we've got lots of amazing events planned & we still rely 100% on YOUR donations, so today if you have £5 spare, text TRIS18 £5 to 70070 today to help us make 2016/2017 just as amazing, thank you :-)
I'm pleased to report that during 2015/2016 Emily's Star raised a HUGE £88,614!!!
Just incredible to see how far we have come in 4 years 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟...
This money helped so so many families but it doesn't stop there, for us to continue helping families we need your continued support, our new fundraising packs are coming soon, we've got lots of amazing events planned & we still rely 100% on YOUR donations, so today if you have £5 spare, text TRIS18 £5 to 70070 today to help us make 2016/2017 just as amazing, thank you :-)
Myra Tiffin Performing Arts School raise over £1000 for Emily’s Star – 19th May 2016
Children from Myra Tiffin Performing Arts School raised £1031.23 for Emily's Star, which will allow the charity to help more than 30 families by sending them neonatal boxes.
The performing arts school - which is based in Stony Stratford and offers numerous classes for girls and boys aged three to 18 - handed a cheque to founded of the charity, Katie Elmer & Samantha Sheargold.
The performing arts school - which is based in Stony Stratford and offers numerous classes for girls and boys aged three to 18 - handed a cheque to founded of the charity, Katie Elmer & Samantha Sheargold.
Nominate us for a 2016 Butterfly Award
For 3 years on the trot Emily's Star has been thrilled to be nominated for a Butterfly Award...
Have you received a neonatal box for your baby? If so please consider nominating us in the "Most Cherished Keepsake Award"
Have you received online support from us? If so please consider nominating us in the "Online Support Organisation"
To nominate us please click here
Have you received a neonatal box for your baby? If so please consider nominating us in the "Most Cherished Keepsake Award"
Have you received online support from us? If so please consider nominating us in the "Online Support Organisation"
To nominate us please click here
Holistic Mum Goodie Bags.
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Natalia from Harmonic Touch Massage has kindly offered to donate 10% to Emily's Star for every goodie bag she sells. These bags are designed for mums to be & mums of newborn babies & are even cheaper to buy if combined with a prenatal massage - for more information please head to their Facebook Page or Website Thank you |
Lots more lovely volunteers
7th - 13th May we held our first volunteer drive, over 15 new people stepped into our new office & put their names down to help Emily's Star.
If you interested in volunteering for us, please send us an email today - contact@emilysstar.co.uk
If you interested in volunteering for us, please send us an email today - contact@emilysstar.co.uk
Edwards Wish
Our wishes can be anything that is needed or wanted, 7th May we provided Edward with a brand new Vitamix mixer.
Edward is fed a blended diet & his old blender just wasn't blending to the required thickness so his mummy Gabby requested one as a wish from us.....
As you can see Edward was pretty chuffed with it too.
A blender like this which is ideal for Edward’s diet costs us just over £350, this is something that is not provided by any other organisation or charity, our families are expected to buy these items themselves, this is where Emily’s Star steps in. Since 2012 we have brought 5 of these blenders for children under our care.
Edward is fed a blended diet & his old blender just wasn't blending to the required thickness so his mummy Gabby requested one as a wish from us.....
As you can see Edward was pretty chuffed with it too.
A blender like this which is ideal for Edward’s diet costs us just over £350, this is something that is not provided by any other organisation or charity, our families are expected to buy these items themselves, this is where Emily’s Star steps in. Since 2012 we have brought 5 of these blenders for children under our care.
Box Making morning 7th May
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7th May saw us undertake our first box making session in our new premise, we were lucky to have been granted some money from The Sue Andrews Foundation to cover a sessions of room hire & Milton Keynes Community Foundation have also offered us a 75% rent subsidy for the rooms.
We made 108 boxes in 2 hours, these are for Portsmouth, Stoke Mandeville, a Trial at St Peters & a trial at George Elliott. These 108 boxes has cost us just under £3,500, this is why your donations are so very much needed to help us continue providing these boxes to so many units. Thank you to everyone who came & helped – check out our event pages on Facebook if you fancy joining in. |
Get your boiler serviced & help Emily's Star too.....
Once again the wonderful Ben Brill (BBrill Plumbing & Heating http://www.bbrill.co.uk/) has teamed up with Emily's Star to help raise money to fund Emily's Gift Neonatal Boxes.
In 2015 Ben & his wife Kimmie received a neonatal box during their stay in Milton Keynes neonatal unit & since then have pledged to help us as often as possible.
This great deal is available for all boiler services in June 2016....
You get a HUGE 10% off & BBrill will also donate 10% to us.... AMAZING
To get your boiler service booked in please call : 01908 410 370 / 07825 887 710
In 2015 Ben & his wife Kimmie received a neonatal box during their stay in Milton Keynes neonatal unit & since then have pledged to help us as often as possible.
This great deal is available for all boiler services in June 2016....
You get a HUGE 10% off & BBrill will also donate 10% to us.... AMAZING
To get your boiler service booked in please call : 01908 410 370 / 07825 887 710
BVS Auto’s helping to keep Emily’s Star Shining Bright
A HUGE thank you to BVS Auto’s who have opened up their new garage in MK1 & requested a collection pot for the front desk.
Hazel makes Jasmine proud
Monday 2nd May saw the return of the Milton Keynes Marathon & Hazel kindly put her hands up to run it for Emily’s Star in memory of her daughter Jasmine.
We are incredibly proud of Hazel & cannot thank her enough for raising a HUGE £506.75
Sara runs for Theo
Theo, the little boy with a HUGE smile inspired Sara to complete the Milton Keynes marathon on Monday 2nd May, Theo is one of our registered families & he absolutely loves attending our Stay & Play sessions, he always tells Sara about them so she wanted to help fund some for Theo – A HUGE Thank you to Sara for raising an AMAZING £167.50
Superhero James called into action
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4 year old James ran the Superhero Run in Milton Keynes on the 2nd May, he wanted to help provide boxes for babies just like this little brother & sister who both received a box when they were born prematurely. James thoroughly loved his run & even sprinted to the end… a true superhero who raised an impressive £298.75 which will fund nearly 10 boxes….
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Bodilight Tanning Spa supporting Emily’s Star
Thank you to the lovely ladies at the NEW Bodilight Tanning Spa based in Milton Keynes(www.facebook.com/bodilighttanningspa) who have added an Emily’s Star collection pot to their reception area to help raise money to support local families.
An evening of Mediumship
– An evening of mediumship by Bec’s saw over 100 people attend, the evening was a HUGE success with the raffle alone making £202 for Emily’s Star. A big thank you to Julie for choosing Emily’s Star to support at this event.
A beautiful bride, a beautiful moment
Just wanted to share this photo of our wedding day which a trip to neonatal to see our baby Alexia born at 34 weeks. She is doing super well and takes to the bottle so well and in 16 days has put on 7oz. She is still wearing her lovely gifts for Emily's Star xx” posted to our Facebook page by mum Lucy Abbott
Our Emily’s Gift Neonatal boxes truly do mean the world to our families who receive one, check out how you can sponsor one today - www.emilysstar.co.uk/sponsor-a-box
Just wanted to share this photo of our wedding day which a trip to neonatal to see our baby Alexia born at 34 weeks. She is doing super well and takes to the bottle so well and in 16 days has put on 7oz. She is still wearing her lovely gifts for Emily's Star xx” posted to our Facebook page by mum Lucy Abbott
Our Emily’s Gift Neonatal boxes truly do mean the world to our families who receive one, check out how you can sponsor one today - www.emilysstar.co.uk/sponsor-a-box
Thank you to our wonderful knitters...
As our Emily's Army Facebook group reaches over 600 group members (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1653093261629604/) we are totally blown away by the amazing items that are being donated by around the UK for our NNU boxes.
From us to you, thank you xx
On your marks, get set.......
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Auction coming soon to help raise vital funds for premature babies & children with life limiting & life threatening illnesses....... |
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Wiggly children.....
These are Gastronomy belts & were delivered to our nursing team on the 20th April.
Handmade by the amazing Bags of Style (Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/christined265/)
Some of our little children are quite wiggly and they get their gastrostomy tubes wrapped around them during the night when they are sleeping or they tug it when they are on the floor playing etc....
These Gastronomy belts are meant to help keep your tubie's button safe and secure for those children who are very active and/or like to pull at their button or tubing.
Our belts have two layers. The top layer is the soft decorative cotton and the bottom layer is cotton FLEECE.
Handmade by the amazing Bags of Style (Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/christined265/)
Some of our little children are quite wiggly and they get their gastrostomy tubes wrapped around them during the night when they are sleeping or they tug it when they are on the floor playing etc....
These Gastronomy belts are meant to help keep your tubie's button safe and secure for those children who are very active and/or like to pull at their button or tubing.
Our belts have two layers. The top layer is the soft decorative cotton and the bottom layer is cotton FLEECE.
That's not my......
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17th April we delivered all these great books to our nursing team, they will be used as a treat for children during changes of pegs / tubes to distract them during the process & then they get to keep the book as a reward......
We also provided 8 hand globe projectors xx |
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New set of wheels...
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On the 8th April we delivered a brand new baby bath of wheels to Milton Keynes neonatal unit after a request from the unit itself.
We delivered this along with 4 new double mattress protectors & 4 new double sheets for the mews rooms which are used in the neonatal unit by parents. |
New Office............
We have moved!!
After 4 years working from the spare room in Katie's house we now have our official offices located in Central Milton Keynes.
It truly was an exciting day for us all & we are pleased to have settled in quite nicely.
Our new office address is:
Emily's Star
Suite 4/30
Acorn House
381 Midsummer Boulevard
Central Milton Keynes
MK9 3HP
After 4 years working from the spare room in Katie's house we now have our official offices located in Central Milton Keynes.
It truly was an exciting day for us all & we are pleased to have settled in quite nicely.
Our new office address is:
Emily's Star
Suite 4/30
Acorn House
381 Midsummer Boulevard
Central Milton Keynes
MK9 3HP
Prenatal Testing Changes - 1st April 2016
From 1st April 2016 all trusts in England will offer testing for Edwards Syndrome & Pataus Syndrome (Trisomy 18 & 13) alongside the current Downs Syndrome combined test (Trisomy 21)
The testing is optional for all parents & any concerns or questions can be answered by your midwife before your 12 week dating scan.
The test is non invasive blood test & is used alongside a scan of the babies neck (NT Scan) these combined will give you a "chance" factor (Low - High) of your baby having one of the above trisomies.
If the "chance" comes back high further testing will be offered by your consultant / screening midwife.
The testing is optional for all parents & any concerns or questions can be answered by your midwife before your 12 week dating scan.
The test is non invasive blood test & is used alongside a scan of the babies neck (NT Scan) these combined will give you a "chance" factor (Low - High) of your baby having one of the above trisomies.
If the "chance" comes back high further testing will be offered by your consultant / screening midwife.
There's no such thing as a Gruffalo...
On Friday 18th March Emily's Star was invited by The Centre MK for a special preview of the Gruffalo Experience, we took 30 of our registered families to see two special viewings & we all enjoyed the experience...
Thank you Centre MK for supporting Emily's Star
Thank you Centre MK for supporting Emily's Star
Trisomy 18 awareness day - 18th March 2016
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This year we had a HUGE response to our official awareness day, selling lots of awareness pin badges & wristbands.
We received photos from around the UK of people donning their awareness merchandise in support. A BIG thank you to Plumbing & Gas Solutions & Starbucks Silbury (http://www.plumbgassolutions.co.uk/) who purchased pinbadges & wristbands for all their staff members. Our founder Katie was also interviewed by BBC Three counties & MKFM who were both in support of raising awareness. |
Milton Keynes Community Foundation Charity Car Raffle 2015
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16th March Emily's Star attened the presentation of the car to the winner of the 2015 Car Raffle, our founder Katie was also asked to be a guest speaker during the evening to explain how the car raffle & MKCF has helped Emily's Star in 2016 so far.
We were also thrilled to learn that we had sold the winning ticket :-) Yippppppeee!! This saw us get an extra £100 donation. |
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Xpression Studio
Thank you to Xpression Studio in Newport Pagnell and Debbie and John Mchale for photos taken of Emily in 2012 and for allowing the use of them to promote Emily's Star and raise awareness.
Dobbies MK - Charity partner of the year 2016
We were so excited to learn on the 4th March that Emily's Star was chosen out of some amazing charities to be Dobbies MK charity partner of the year 2016.
Dobbies have our collection pots & leaflets on every till point & we will be holding numerous events there over the coming 12 months.
We will also receive the 5p from every carrier bag sold in store during this time.
The awesome restaurant team will be holding a monthly cake sale, along with Lego Club & Little Seedlings donations all coming to Emily's Star.
We can't wait see you at one of our many events.....
Dobbies have our collection pots & leaflets on every till point & we will be holding numerous events there over the coming 12 months.
We will also receive the 5p from every carrier bag sold in store during this time.
The awesome restaurant team will be holding a monthly cake sale, along with Lego Club & Little Seedlings donations all coming to Emily's Star.
We can't wait see you at one of our many events.....
The Sue Andrews Foundation surprises Emily's Star
22nd January we were invited to the headquarters of Childbase to receive a cheque.... little did we know it was going to be such a HUGE cheque...
The Sue Andrews Foundation was fundraising for us during 2015 through a number of Childbase Nurseries in the UK and had already given us some of the money in July (£6153) so today it was a HUGE shock to be presented with a cheque for £13,864.... yes £13,864!!
Simply blown away by the support of the foundation, Childbase staff & parents, thank you.
The Sue Andrews Foundation was fundraising for us during 2015 through a number of Childbase Nurseries in the UK and had already given us some of the money in July (£6153) so today it was a HUGE shock to be presented with a cheque for £13,864.... yes £13,864!!
Simply blown away by the support of the foundation, Childbase staff & parents, thank you.