The Emily Foundation are a group of friends fundraising in memory of Emily Howells who died in 2019 of breast cancer, you can read more about Emily's story and what The Emily Foundation has achieved here:

https://www.justgiving.com/remember/789303/Emily-Howells

Emily was diagnosed with breast cancer whilst she was pregnant with her son Arlo. This meant that Emily would need chemotherapy whilst pregnant and post partum. Breast feeding was incredibly important to Emily, she had a very positive experience breastfeeding her first child Millie, and wanted to provide Arlo with the benefits that breastmilk can offer a new born baby. Arlo needed to be induced a little early and the antibodies found in breastmilk really benefitted his immature immune and digestive system. Alongside the medical team that cared for her, Emily planned to pause chemotherapy to give birth to Arlo and allow her to breastfeed immediately after birth. Although Emily was only able to breastfeed for a number of weeks, she was determined to continue to provide Arlo with the best possible start in life and looked into the possibility of acquiring donor milk. Through the grants of two charities, one being Mummy's Star, Emily was able to continue to feed Arlo breastmilk for another month. Something that Emily was so grateful for, and made continuing with cancer treatment a little more bearable.

This is not the only work that Mummy's Star do. They are the only registered charity in the UK and Ireland dedicated to supporting women and their families where the mother is diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy or within 12 months after giving birth. 

After the success of last year, we are making children's Christmas Eve boxes and all money raised via donations will go directly to Mummy's Star. Each home made box is handmade with lovely gifts for your little one to open on Christmas Eve. We recommend a minimum donation of £10. Along with some other Christmas goodies some of the lovely items they’ll find in their box are: 

• Hot chocolate spoons
• Reindeer food
• Christmas stationary (for that all important note to Santa)

Please make sure to email info@theemilyfoundation.com to register your interest and to send us your contact details.