AN Orkney-based jewellery designer has confirmed that one of her collections will be supporting Pancreatic Cancer Scotland (PCS).
Sheila Fleet OBE, who lost her late husband Rick to the disease in 2013, will donate 10% of every sale from her Daisies at Dawn collection to the charity – which she also supports as a patron.
Daisies have held a significance in Sheila’s life for some time. When she married Rick in 1976, her dress was made of lace daisies, and she carried a large bouquet of the flowers.
The collection grew through her desire to give something back to charitable causes and to help others. Using a daisy originated from Emily Findlay, who had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma at age 14.
Sheila wanted to do something for her and found out that Emily’s favourite flower was the daisy, which reminded her of a photograph taken by Rick from their home in Orkney.
This inspiration led to the Daisies at Dawn collection being launched in May 2014, which has so far raised around £70,000 for good causes that have benefitted Emily and her family, as well as the Orkney Charitable Trust, which helps local young people who are experiencing disadvantage or hardship.
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Now, the collection will show support for a charity close to Sheila’s heart and live on in Rick’s memory.
Sheila said: “The time feels right to take this step, in honour of Rick, and to help other people and their families, like us, who have been touched by pancreatic cancer.
“Daisies hold a special place in my heart. They made up my wedding dress and my bouquet. The Daisies will commemorate Rick’s memory and our time together. I’m delighted I’m able to support a cause close to my heart, and to help others.”
Murray Easton, head of fundraising and supporter relations at PCS, said: “Thank you to our patron Sheila Fleet for choosing Pancreatic Cancer Scotland to benefit from her beautiful Daisies at Dawn collection.
“Our partnership will help to raise funds and awareness to enable us to enhance support, healthcare, awareness, research and education in relation to pancreatic cancer and associated tumours. This is a stunning collection and we are extremely proud and excited to have Sheila, her wonderful team, and customers supporting in this way.”
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