Emily's Star

⭐️🌈 BIG NEWS 🌈⭐️ I am absolutely over the moon to announce that today I delivered the first batch of our very own NICU journey diaries… Designed by myself, it’s something I’ve wanted to create for such a long time & I finally had the opportunity to create it! The diary containing 26 pages includes space for milestones, memories, weight charts, journal pages & more. The diaries will start to appear to all of our mini packs & neonatal boxes from our next make up session. Both the mini packs & neonatal boxes are fully funded by the charity at no cost to the parents or hospitals where they are sent. These diaries cost the charity around £2 each but we believe the extra cost is worth it ⭐️ We hope that these diaries are loved by parents as much as they are by me, I am very proud of them (even if I do say so myself) Overtime I hope to add to the collection by updating our milestone cards to match the diary theme. What do you think of the diary? Katie xx

Yesterday I was invited by Williams Racing to the paddock ahead of the British Grand Prix. We had the most amazing day but I was really happy when I spotted this, when I first set up Emily's Star I was still working at Leica Geosystems part of Hexagon so I had to take a quick picture 🤣

Today we held 3 different sessions of sensory fun with Little Glow Milton Keynes. Sarah supported our families throughout the session ensuring every child got the most out of it! Lots of happy, chilled & relaxed children 💙💖⭐️

Super pleased to introduce you all to Sarah! Our wonderful new community support worker… Day two in the job & Sarah has hit the ground running, booking in visits with new families, currently registered families, trips out bowling & swimming & more… Sarah’s role is to support our families in the community however they need that support, from medical appointments, form filing to fun days out. Sarah will offer this support to our families at no cost to them. Sarah having received support herself from us 8 years ago when her daughter was born premature has always known & supported the charity. Her daughter has complex needs & this job just jumped out at her & I am very pleased it did! Welcome to the team Sarah, so very pleased to have you 💖⭐️💖 Katie xx

There really are some incredible people in this world!! Last night, was our parents meal out & we headed to wagamama in the Xscape Milton Keynes. It was their new menu launch day & we were treated sooo well, including yummy starters to try before our mains! Wagamama’s kindly donated the first round of drinks too which was amazing! The food was served so quickly & every single person enjoyed their meals. On our parents meet ups the charity always covers the cost of food, it’s nice our families can meet up without the worry of paying for the privilege. Tony, who I’ve known for a few years due to his amazing son Levi, told me he’d look after us for the evening & would be able to apply a discount for us… sooo… The bill arrived & Tony asked me if he could pay it all for us, I politely declined & explained it was a lot of money & I was more than happy to cover the cost… So, Tony ran up the card machine, just as I got my card ready, he tapped his watch & paid the WHOLE bill!!! Yes, I did swear at him, then hugged him! What an incredible gesture from one of the most truly wonderful guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting! Levi would be so proud of his incredible dad! 💙 Katie xx

My aim this year is to meet more people & learn more… I’m looking forward to attending a few more networking events, do let me know the ones you think are fab, well, I’m new to this networking game so I need some extra help! Today I had the privilege to receive some help & support from Sophie Neal with a social media audit for Emily's Star. It was extremely interesting & an eye opening, it’s wonderful to hear the difference a few tweaks here & there could make - she’s also looking to help other local charities this year so please do reach out to her! Thank you Sophie for a really good afternoon. #sharingknowledge #charity #supportlocal

Just before Christmas Emily's Star granted a wish for Grace. Her wish was an annual pass to Woburn Safari Park, she’s already been 5 times! Mum, Amy has said “Hi, just wanted to say a huge thank you for Grace's gift. It has been a lifesaver to take a drive round Woburn over the Christmas holidays especially when in need of a little break. And more importantly Grace adores it and giggles so much when the monkeys jump on the car!” We all know that every child deserves a chance to shine, no matter their abilities or challenges. That's why Emily's Star is here to make a difference in the lives of children with complex needs and their families.

Giving back to the local community, especially during the festive season is important to us, that's why every year instead of sending Christmas cards we choose a local charity to receive a donation. This year our chosen charity is Emily's Star. Emily's Star generously donates clothing and emergency packs to hospitals across the UK including Milton Keynes University Hospital, and we are proud to be able to support the funding of these Neonatal Boxes and Mini Gift Bags. Learn more about all the great work they do in supporting local families here >https://bit.ly/483UCm3 #whengivingmatters #HappyChristmas #donations #LoveMK #mk #miltonkeynes

Thank you so much Elaine Wales & John Lewis for getting in touch with us after my recent post (thank you Joanne McClaren) & for gifting these wonderful presents to make Christmas a little more magical for one of our registered families ⭐️