In April Max and I had a little boy – Freddie. Sadly, Freddie was born with unexplained brain damage and although he lived for 11 days, he never recovered and died in hospital in mid April. During that time he was cared for by the amazing team at Hinchingbrooke SCBU in Huntingdon who looked after him, and us, wonderfully and went out of their way to make the experience as bearable as possible for our 4 daughters as well.

We’ve pledged to make Hinchingbrooke our good cause and we hope that anything we can give them will help to continue their work not only caring for babies, but also the siblings who find themselves caught up in a frightening and painful world when a new baby is born sick or does not come home. We know that over the years, this will add up to something that will help to make a real difference towards the unit and those who find themselves unwillingly part of that world.

We’d also like to thank everyone, from customers to suppliers, to our many friends in the toy trade and our incredible friends and family who have been so kind and caring towards us during this awful time. It made all the difference. You have held us upright.

Thank you.

Merry, Max, Fran, Maddy, Amelie & Josie.

The customers of PlayMerrily & CraftMerrily who have donated the equivalent value of their free gifts over 4 years. This has been donated to Hinchingbrooke in a combination of baby toys and keepsakes and cheques. The final donation is being sent June 2015.

With thanks to Rmadillo Packaging for their offline donation of £100.
With thanks to Ice Gems for their offline donation of £35.
With thanks to Miss Nic at Saldance for her offline donation of £20.
With thanks to Auntie Sue & Uncle Clive for their donation of £25.
Thanks to Le Toy Van for items to be donated directly.
Thanks to Imajo for items to be donated directly.
Thanks to Cuckoo Ltd for fundraising items donated directly.
With thanks to Djeco for items to be donated directly