Joe, who tragically took her own life last year 10 weeks after giving birth to much-wanted Emily Jane, would have been 40 this month. She was a party girl, full of fun and loved to dress up so for the start of her legacy what better way to celebrate her life?
The room had been adorned in a black and white theme with feathers galore. People made the effort to dress up accordingly and the floor resembled a bird cage with the amount of plumage!
My partner Clive (above) used his MC skills to advantage http://www.clivegott.com/ and kept the evening to order. Chris (below) spoke about how his wife Joe would have loved the evening, followed by myself and Ann Girling http://www.onthethreshold.co.uk/ as two of the trustees, to explain our involvement. We both want to share the hope out there and prevent any more ladies being as ill as Joe became. I learnt that I can deliver a speech in 3 minutes flat! An achievement for chatty me!
Part of this is by informing and educating new parents of what to look out for and to reassure that there should be no stigma and not to suffer in silence. To this end we have produced some 'z-cards' - a business card sized information sheet which expands out to A4. Our vision is for every new parent to have one. We would LOVE a company to sponsor them! Last night we were able to distribute them for the first time.
In addition we had our first newsletter available. http://www.scribd.com/doc/47600918/JBMF-Newsletter
Dinah Wilde (below), another trustee worked so hard on both of these.
I admit that I had been expecting tears but the tone really was one of hope and celebration. The staff at the Galpharm were brilliant and our meal was lovely. Highly recommend them! http://www.galpharmstadium.com/pages/
The raffle and auction had been well supported by a range of individuals and business. Clive was on form getting people to dig deep! The evening raised an amazing £2100 which will go towards more 'z-cards'.
Finally we were entertained by the talented band Hope and Social http://www.hopeandsocial.com/%20. A lovely group of people who spent lots in the auction too! Thanks guys! xx
I feel very proud and honoured to be part of team now who will go forward with our aims:-
- Raise awareness and de-stigmatise Postnatal Depression, by stimulating open discussion about the illness and its treatment.
- Provide access to information and support to mums, dads, partners, families, and friends affected by Postnatal Depression
- Support research to identify the causes of the increasing number of deaths due to Postnatal Depression, examine the key risks and issues that effect sufferers from Postnatal Depression, and what can be done to help them
- Ensure Medical Services follow appropriate standards and guidelines, and patients know what should be available to them.
We did you proud Joe.
Now our mission is to make parenthood happier for others.
Elaine Hanzak
http://www.hanzak.com%20/
1 comment:
I am so impressed and will be in contact from Dubai. Cecile
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