OSWESTRY'S Hope House is set for a boost after an Anglesey-based business included the children's hospice among its charities for 2022.

Neverland Keepsake Creations, which returned to the island from France during the first Covid-19 lockdown, makes keepsake teddies from clothes and are raising funds by asking customers to donate as they shop.

Hope Hope and its sister hospice Tŷ Gobaith in North Wales, are one of three charities supported by Neverland, alongside St David’s Hospice and Idlewild Animal Sanctuary.

Money raised by Neverland Keepsake Creations will go towards supporting seriously-ill patients and their families who use the hospices, as well as animals in need of rescue, rehabilitation, release and rehoming.

Clare Birkby, from Neverland Keepsake Creations, said: “Now we’ve returned to the island permanently, I am able to commit to a project that has been a dream for some years.

"I wanted to support smaller charities with which my clients have an affinity.

"As many of my commissions are memorial pieces, to remember loved ones and pets who’ve passed, the two hospices and animal sanctuary seemed perfect.”

Clare has been a memory seamstress for 10 years and has been awarded Keepsake Specialist of the Year 2021/22.

She creates teddies, cushions and quilts using clothing sent by her clients, with clothing from premature babies, first school uniforms and memory-filled children’s clothes through to wedding dresses, uniforms or clothes from loved ones who have passed away.

Each commission is entirely unique and Clare is proud to offer a full design consultation with each client, to ensure memories are captured perfectly in each piece.

“Since making my first keepsake for my son in 2008, my business has grown beyond what I could have possibly imagined.” says Clare.

“I feel that now we’ve settled I can give back to the community who have supported me.

"Although I have clients worldwide, I wanted to choose smaller, local charities who don’t receive national recognition.”

Alison Marsh, head of fundraising at Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith, said: “Support from local businesses is hugely important to us and we are extremely grateful to Clare and Neverland Keepsake Creations for thinking of us.”

You can find Clare at www.neverlandcreations.co.uk and choose which charity to support at the checkout.