On the 7th February  2014 Emma McDonnell sadly passed away. 

Emma's butterflies for Shine is for my best friend Emma who was the most beautiful and inspirational person you could ever wish to know. she touched the hearts of everyone who knew her. Emma was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, Emma was quite a character who loved life, boys, the colour pink, butterflies, palma violets, boys, olly murs and boys and lived the years she did have to the full. 

Emma's disability and the fact that she had to use a wheelchair did not stop Emma's courage and determination to live lie to the full.  She was social and bright.  When we were at Secondary School we both took part in the musical Bugsy Malone which involved a lot of rehearsals as well as the actual shows and without Shine and the support it gave for Emma in providing someone to help Emma with her needs this would not have been possible.

Emma loved butterflies and the charity that gave Emma and her family help and support is Shine. So in Emma's memory I set up Emma's Butterflies for Shine in April 2014. I started with buying plain wooden shapes and boxes and designing them and turning them into keyrings, fridge magnets, hanging butterflies and trinket boxes. i then started experimenting with new creative ideas and started doing air fresheners and at Christmas I made special edition butterflies. Last year I also did a stall on the Gainsborough Christmas market where i sold the butterfly gifts I make and I did a raffle, it was a huge success and we raised £1483.50. 

Emma was the most amazing best friend i could have ever wished for and will treasure all the memories of our friendship forever. I will always miss her and really wanted to do something special in her memory and couldn't think of anything more appropriate.

Shine is a fantastic charity that  provides specialist support from before birth and throughout the life of anyone living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, as well as to parents, families, carers and professional health and social care staff. Through information, events, networking and campaigning they enable people to get the best out of life. 

last year I raised £3,591.50 and hope to continue to raise a lot more for this very worthwhile charity.  I have just brought out a new line of butterflies which are glitter glass candles with a choice of handmade scented tealight candles and have plans for some more new and exciting items for later in the year, along with other fundraising plans. 

You can find me on facebook - search for Emma's Butterflies for Shine. To place an order, please send me a message via facebook, or alternatively you can email me at emmasbutterfliesforshine@hotmail.co.uk

Thank you for your support 

Jessica