Purple Awareness Bracelet, representing Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chron’s, Cystic Fibrosis

I used to be an active primary school teacher, until problems arising from Congenital Hip Dislocation and Bi Lateral Hip Dysplasia. Shortly after the birth of my children, I developed Severe Arthritis in my left hip. After some time and waiting lists (another story!) I had an osteotomy to create a hip socket, then a year later I underwent a hip replacement on my left hip. I returned to work and caring for my family, but the hip was never ‘right’ and still caused issues. To cut a very long story short, after multiple surgeries, eventually I was discovered to have Osteomyelitis (a severe bone infection). This meant removal of the entire prosthesis and iv antibiotic before replacing the hip again. However, Chronic Pain ensued. And ultimately I was offered the option of total permanent removal of the implant leaving me disabled but without pain. Sadly, that didn’t work out too well, and the same level of pain ensued. I was referred to various PMU and underwent many procedures, and have had a spinal cord stimulator implant.

Gemstones have long been my passion, and I’ve always dabbled making gemstone bracelets and pressing them onto my long suffering friends whenever they mentioned some ailment. It was a natural progression for me, when I had to retire from teaching on medical grounds, to begin making my jewellery to sell. This began simply as a way to keep busy, whilst I was in and out of hospital, and I only ever made items to order for people I knew.. but they were paying me, so I could buy more sparkly rocks!
Now I make all sorts of jewellery, but each item is still made with as much love as those first bracelets, and the recipient is the main focus at the centre of everything I create.
So I’m afraid I don’t have ready made items that I can pop into a Jiffy bag when you order, but I will create a specially commissioned piece just for you!
This story started with me as an active young(ish) mum with a career I loved. Now my children are grown up with homes and families, working and living their own lives, my husband is my carer, and I spend a lot of time in bed!