Local website developer swaps PC for sewing machine with launch of bespoke baby quilts business

A ​Waterloo based website developer has swapped the mouse pad and monitor for the sewing machine and tape measure with the launch of her bespoke baby quilts business. Helen Fitzpatrick from Waterloo decided to use her 35 years' experience of sewing for pleasure and create a business doing what she loves.

HelgaBaby was born earlier this year, creating bespoke handmade quilts, cushion covers, name banners and bunting using each customers' old baby clothes. Of course, the 1st thing Helen did after sewing her 1st baby quilts was build a HelgaBaby website:- HelgaBaby.Co.UK.

Helen said:- "I've loved sewing and crafting since I was a little girl and used to make clothes for ​myself​ and my friends. That grew into making soft furnishings and bedding, so when friends started having families, I made baby gifts like cot bedding, changing mats and bunting. When my niece turned two, her mum asked if I could make a patchwork quilt using the little one's old baby clothes, as she couldn't bear to lose any of them. When I saw how delighted she was with the end result I knew I had to ​try and​turn this into a business and create unique keepsakes for all the parents out there who don't want to say goodbye to their baby's clothes."

HelgaBaby will be appearing at the:- 'Summer Arts Market' at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral, on Saturday, 2 June 2018.

Could a North West manufacturer be the subject of a national prize winning photo?

MANUFACTURERS are being asked to throw open their doors to photographers as part of the 10th EEF Manufacturing Photography Competition. The competition from EEF, the manufacturers' organisation in collaboration with the GREAT Campaign is designed to raise the profile of UK manufacturing by showcasing the industry's creativity, diversity and heritage through inspiring photography. EEF is on the hunt for companies that are keen to allow photographers to capture their sites for the competition. Past images have been on display across national and local press, throughout UK Government departments and at an awards gala in the House of Commons. Hosting a photographer is totally free and you will be able to use photographs for you own promotional purposes. If you would like to find out more about how you can host photographers please contact the competition organiser, Caroline, on:- CONeill@EEF.Org.UK. The competition will launch very soon for photographers to enter their photos.  More information can be found at:- EEF.Org.UK/Photo.

Liverpool man vows to tackle the world's hardest marathon following life threatening brain injury

JAMES Thompson from Maghull, Liverpool has vowed to complete the gruelling Marathon des Sables just 4years after sustaining life threatening injuries in a freak cycling accident.

Whilst going through the Olympic Development Team with British Cycling in 2014, James was involved in a horrific accident when he fell18 feet off the top of a banked curve and landed on his head, splitting his helmet in 17 places. The accident left him with traumatic brain injuries and in a 2 week coma. When James eventually recovered consciousness, he was temporarily paralysed down 1 side and had to learn to walk and talk again.

Now fully recovered, the 20 year old student and father of 1, has incredibly set himself a series of demanding challenges including a 4 day cycle to Dublin and the Iron Man Wales which he will complete before undertaking the Marathon des Sables, in 2019.

The Marathon des Sables race is dubbed the:- 'World's hardest marathon' and will see James run more than 250km in arduous conditions through the Sahara Dessert in Morocco.

James was only able to enter the race thanks to support from newcomers to the Liverpool healthcare community, the Rutherford Cancer Centre North West in Liverpool, who have contributed the ₤500 needed to cover his entry fees.

James said:- "My accident was obviously a major setback but if anything, I've come back from it stronger and more determined to reach my goals. I have set myself many challenges and I hope it inspires others to do the same. Taking part in the marathon has been my dream for many years and I'd like to thank the Rutherford Cancer Centres for making this possible."

James has pledged to use the marathon to raise money for the Walton Centre as a way of thanking them for the extraordinary care that he received after the accident. James will also be raising money for North West Cancer Research following his friend's diagnosis and treatment for testicular cancer.

Founder of the Rutherford Cancer Centres, Mike Moran MBE commented:- "We strongly believe that fitness is a vital component of health and wellbeing and James' story has many parallels with those suffering from acute illness. We hope that James will provide inspiration to those suffering from illness and trauma and will reinforce the message that it is possible to return to full health following serious illness or injury. As a Walton man myself, I am delighted to see that the local Hospital will benefit from James' efforts."

Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research commented:- "We are delighted that James has chosen to raise vital funds for us. James' unwavering determination has massively impressed us and it's testament to his remarkable strength of character that he is challenging himself with such demanding events -  we wish him every luck for his endeavors."

Anne Hodgson, Community Fundraiser for The Walton Centre Charity continued:- "James is a remarkable young man. We're delighted that he's choosing to recognise and support The Walton Centre Charity, by participating in this fantastic marathon challenge, after receiving treatment at The Walton Centre. We can't thank him enough and we wish him all the luck in the world!"

To support James in his fundraising challenges, please click here to make a donation.