Inspiring children and remembering a beloved mum
A CHILDREN’S art competition turned into a tribute to a talented dressmaker after the 41-year-old Stratford mum lost her battle with cancer.
The competition, organised by the Shakespeare Hospice, was inspired by young artist Emilia Callard, and was launched back in 2020. The hospice was caring for Emilia’s mum, Laura, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2018.
However, Laura contacted the hospice to help raise funds – it was her way of thanking the charity for supporting her and her family. Emilia was keen to help too and made facemasks for donations to the hospice, while Daniel drew pictures for residents.
Emilia’s love of art inspired the competition for children, but the announcement of the winners and an exhibition was delayed by the Covid pandemic.
Sadly, during that time Laura’s condition worsened and in April last year, the seamstress at Boho Bride Boutique in Clifford Chambers died.
On Friday (25th March), with Covid restrictions lifted, the competition was finally able to reveal its winners – and pay tribute to Laura and to the bravery of her family – Emilia, son Daniel and husband Ian.
Laura, who was Stratford born and bred, passed on her creative talent and artistic flair to Emilia, which meant it was only fitting that she was one of the judges alongside artist Claire Brierley.
At the exhibition at Stratford Butterfly Farm, the winning artists were given their prizes.
Emilia said: “I get my artistic talent from my mum. We did a lot of artwork together – a variety of things with clay and pencils. We loved drawing nature together.
“At school I have recently drawn a chameleon that turns into a zombie, so I like to put my own spin on things. I pick a theme and go with it.”
She added: “I think it would be good to do this competition again next year.”
Ian said: “The Shakespeare Hospice gave such wonderful care to our family. Laura would have been extremely proud of this art exhibition involving local children.
“It’s a nice gesture that’s grown into something special.”
As well as prizes for the winners, which included Felicity Hardy, Korra Fabris Dent, Florence Skelton, Finley Cotton, Lottie Whiting and Mae Madden, there were also gift Emilia, family tickets to both Stratford Butterfly Farm and West Midlands Safari Park.
Bridget Richards, events and community fundraiser at Shakespeare Hospice, described Emilia, Daniel and Ian as brave and added: “Laura was so incredibly talented and the family’s creativity has been the inspiration for the art competition”.
When the Herald interviewed Laura in March of last year she revealed how, despite chemotherapy, she had been working on a wedding dress and was looking for a special bride to wear it.
She was also full of praise for the hospice, which is the Herald’s charity of the year, adding: “[The cancer] has been devastating for our family, particularly as my children are so young, but the support they are being given by their school, Stratford Primary, and the Shakespeare Hospice is amazing.”
