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A scented candle with an East Cheshire Hospice theme could make the perfect Mother’s Day present.
The bespoke gift has been created by Nicky Thorpe who lost two close relatives at the Hospice.
The candle fragrance is camomile, vanilla and lavender, a favourite plant in the Hospice gardens.
Nicky Thorpe with her East Cheshire Hospice candle.
Etched into the glass jar is a sunflower, the emblem of the Hospice, with the candle flickering when lit.
Nicky designed the eco-friendly gift from her workshop in Tytherington where she set up in business five years ago after three decades with AstraZeneca.
Candles cost £25, with £10 donated to the Hospice where Nicky has strong connections.
Her father Brian Cavanagh, a painter and decorator before he too worked at AstraZeneca, died in the Hospice in 2019, aged 82.
Her late mother-in-law Sheila Thorpe (82) was also a patient there in 2023, while Nicky has friends who work for the Hospice.
Nicky said: “I’ve created a couple of charity candles and thought it’d be a good idea to do something similar for the Hospice.
“I approached Luke Oldham, who’s part of the fundraising team, and between us we’ve created a fragrance. The Hospice is surrounded by lavender, so they were quite keen to have a lavender-based fragrance.
“A sunflower is neutral so any household could have one and support the Hospice at the same time.”
“After I lost my dad, I thought a candle might be a beautiful memento for families to take away and light in memory of their loved one.
“I’ve since made personalised candles for those who’ve lost relatives.”
Nicky’s business Molly Lou Home Fragrance is very much a family affair.
Daughter Molly Lou helped found the company during Covid, while son Josh helps with marketing and admin.
Husband Rick, a joiner, built a workshop at home. He has walked the Three Peaks of Scotland, Wales and England with friends in aid of the Hospice.
The couple own a company specialising in making bespoke kitchen and bedroom furniture.
Nicky said: “It’s incredible how much the candle making venture has grown. There’s been a lot of support with several outlets stocking our candles.
“Customers can refill jars to help with sustainability, while plant-based rapeseed and coconut wax is used.” * Hospice themed candles can be bought from www.mollyloucandles.co.uk.