Yesterday, I thought I would take a look at a favourite blog of mine,
written by the hugely talented Gretel Parker.
The first line of her most recent post knocked me for six
and I read on with tears in my eyes.
I have followed Gretel's journey via her blog for a few years now,
enjoying her gentle tales of local walks, her needle felting, painting, books,
and her home life with the love of her life, Andy.
And so, I was shocked to the core when I read that Andy,
Gretel's partner of 21 years, died in January this year.
As well as leaving Gretel devastated,
it has also left her in real danger of losing their home.
The home they waited so long to have.
Gretel's situation is financially precarious.
Although Andy's family is dear to her,
Gretel has no living parents, no siblings,
no one from the usual support system to help her get through this.
Three fellow friends and bloggers have decided to try and raise money
by way of a raffle to help Gretel. They will have wonderful gifts donated by artists, makers and friends of Gretel as prizes.
A Facebook page has been set up by Donna Flower, Amanda Banham
and Woo Gilchrist to help raise money for a very talented craftsperson
in a time of extreme need ...
and Woo Gilchrist to help raise money for a very talented craftsperson
in a time of extreme need ...
You can read more about Gretel on her blog and the link on my sidebar,
entitled 'Funds for Gretel', will take you to the online raffle Facebook page.
13 comments:
I read Gretel's blog last week, and found myself reading through tears. Her description was so vivid that I could see it all happening in my mind.
I would like to be able to help in someway if at all possible, and will pursue the information you have kindly given here.
You are an angel ♥♥ I could not give much but I'm sure every bit counts. Thank you for sharing a post that touches my heart and helps make my most recent post all the more relevant to me. Light and love. Xx
Thank you for your comment on my blog (not sure why I appear as a "no reply blogger" will look into that)
my email is angyla@me.com - for the future.
Blessings Xx
This is absolutely heart wrenching for me Jane, I am so so sorry to hear about Gretel partner's suicide, that's so unfair and I can't even begin to imagine the sheer amount of bravery that Gretel's having to fire in right now. I really hope that she manages to raise the money, thanks so much for sharing her story here, I'm sure that she appreciates it so much.
Thank you for your recent reply on my blog I also do not know why I am a 'no reply blogger'. My email address is haggiscards@gmail.com . I am now going over to look at the blog you mentioned to see how I can help. Julie x
I read her blog and it is indeed heart rending. Thank you for the links, I will go to look at the blog. I love the little felted objects.
Ooh my goodness, I have just read, Gretel's post.....Isn't this so sad.
I will check out the links and my heart and prays go out to Gretel...
Depression and mental health is such a taboo subject and it shouldn't be...It is not like a physical illness that you can see....Thanks for sharing, Mrs VJ...So very sad.Love Maria x
I read Gretel's story last week and although it was extremely sad it was also beautifully written. I have made a donation to this wonderfully brave lady, Lucey x
This is so very very sad. I have made my donation in support of Gretel also. Tam x
I saw this on another blog and am so sorry that this is how I discovered Gretel. My heart goes out to her.
Hi Marina.
Son d'accordo con te...molto belle e queste creazioni, ricordano il mondo delle favole!
Ti abbraccio e ti auguro una buona settimana, *Maristella*.
Heart-wrenchingly sad. Thank you for sharing this. I donated today. ♥ Carla. xo
Hello Marina,
Thank you for joining my blog and also sharing this post, I read about it last week and it has stayed with me. Just so, so sad. It showed me how fragile life can really be and I just can't imagine what she must be living right now.
Hope you are well,
Ivan
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