Bluebells Day Nursery was opened in memory of Rob Blewett.
Rob was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in November 1995. This is a rare and aggressive cancer.
We brought our planned wedding forward as we were told that Rob's life expectancy was very short. Our future plans of having a family ended.
Rob underwent his treatment at Clatterbridge Hospital and was looked after by some wonderful people, but sadly Rob died on 24th August 1996 at the young age of 26.
Now a widow at the age on 27, I wondered what life had in stall for me! My husband had died and the family we had planned for didn't exist. I didn't want to return to my job working in the bank - it just didn't seem relevant selling mortgages and life policies.
A seed was planted in my mind. I would open a nursery! Did I know anything about nurseries ? Absolutely not - I didn't know the first thing about them. Why would that stop me?
For 12 months I read, attended seminars , did course after course, bought premises, learnt about the planning permission process, project managed a schedule of works for the conversion of the house to a day nursery. This was the start. Next Ofsted registration , Health & Safety, Fire regulations, policies, procedures, marketing and the final hurdle employment law and employing staff.
The nursery name - Blue from Blewett and Bells from Helsbels (which I was affectionately know as)
Bluebells Day Nursery opened in September 1997. One year after Rob had died.
I am so proud of my achievement and every one who has been a part of it.
I am eternally grateful to my family and friends who have been on this journey with me and a special mention to Mike my husband who has supported me throughout the years and our children Ellie and Harry who make us proud every day.
Bluebells Day Nursery is 20 years old in September 2017 and I pledge to raise £20000.00.
Thank you so much for reading my story and helping me to help others.
HELEN LLOYD
