Simply Supporting CHUF

The Children's Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital is one of the only two centres in the UK offering podiatrist heart transplant and bridge to transplant, with transplant numbers increasing to the point where the unit now provides almost half of the UK's pediatric transplants.

 They also have the expertise and support systems through their transplant service to allow them to undertake high-risk surgery. The Children’s Heart Unit is also the only service providing before birth care with seamless transition to adulthood.

Providing world class care, the unit is structured to deliver the best possible results for critically ill babies, children and young people.  On Wednesday 15^th August 2012 Seb4CHUF arranged a Charity Ball at Close House Hotel to raise funds for the unit.  Seb4Chuf was created by Nadine and Ivan Hollingsworth who’s son Sebastian had to undergo major heart surgery at the unit.  So far they  have raised nearly £250,000 for the unit!!

 

Simply Bows and Chair Covers chose CHUF as our nominated charity this year and were thrilled to dress the marquee for this wonderful event. Flowers and table centres were designed by Wedding Flowers for You. The theme was Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and the overall effect of the marquee looked amazing (if we say so ourselves!) and they even had their own Oompa Loompa's! Here are some photo's...

 

Simply Themed: Bonfire Night

A Simply Bows and Chair Covers Party is no ordinary party! This bonfire night Simply Bows MD Sarah Pittendrigh threw a Bonfire Night themed 40th birthday bash and we thought we would share some photo's with you for a little event dressing inspiration....

The Riverside Suite at The Baltic

Black chair covers with tied with vibrant Firework Orange Sashes

Fabulous table centres by Wedding Flowers For You were made up of pumpkins, foliage, fireworks and candles and displayed on a Pintuck Taffetta Burnt Orange table runner

Black chair covers were matched with black table linen and alternate napkins of orange and black were provided

Fire lamps and uplighting were used to create a Bonfire Night feel with warm shades or reds and oranges bouncing off every wall and surface. A right firecracker of a night was had by all!

Simply Second Time Lucky!

Sarah Pittendrigh Managing Director of Simply Bows and Chair Covers is getting married …… To her ex husband!

Sarah and Stewart grew up together as children whilst competing against each other with their ponies at local shows.

In 1995 they got married at Snods Edge Church and in 1999 their son William was born.  Along the way, they lost their way and Divorced in 2002.  However, they remained firm friends and supported each other through some very tough times, (Stewart losing both of his parents to Cancer and Sarah starting up her new business Simply Bows and Chair Covers following redundancy). Through this they both realised that they were meant to be together (nobody else would have them!) and decided whilst on a family break at the Faversham Arms, Helmsley to remarry next year at Close House Hotel, 10 years nearly to the day they Divorced. 

Sarah said, this time around it has been a breeze to organise the wedding as my best friends are all in the wedding industry.  Julia Noble from Noble Fine Art is taking care of the wedding stationery, Claire Young from Wedding Flowers for You is creating the flower arrangements, Simply Bows and Chair Covers will provide the Chair Covers, Bernadette from Dreamworld Cakes is creating the wedding cake and Elain Dodds, Sales Manager from Close House is taking care of the arrangements, all they need to do now is sort the Bridesmaids Dresses!  "Thank goodness we have been given a second chance." Said Sarah.

Simply Charity: CHUF Event at Close House Hotel

Around 300 small babies and children are operated on each year by the children’s heart surgeons at the Freeman Hospital. Heart problems, including Tetralogy of Fallot, are among the most common types of abnormality found in newborn babies. Many of them are tiny infants who, up until a few years ago, would not have survived. Out of 33,000 babies born in the Northern region each year, around 300 will require surgery and many more will require medical or outpatient treatment in the Children’s Heart Unit (Ward 23).

Not all children are born with heart disease. Viruses can severely weaken the heart and cause it to fail. The Freeman Hospital is one of only 2 hospitals in the UK that performs children’s heart transplants and that use mechanical hearts to keep these children alive until their heart either recovers or can be transplanted. Since 1987 over 250 children have received a transplant. Simply Bows and Chair Covers were only to delighted to be invited by CHUF (Children's Heart Unit Fund) and Close House Hotel to dress their fabulous Handbags and Gladrags Ball hosted by the one and only Ben Shephard!

Below are just a few photos of the fantastic marquee at Close House Hotel to wet your appetite!

Flowers by the fabulous Wedding Flowers For You

We are delighted to announce that the ball raised £34,000 which is amazing and in total CHUF have raised £160,000 to date in approximately 20 months from an original target of £120,000 which was seen as terribly ambitious!!! Simply Bows and Chair Covers and CHUF would like to take this opportunity to thank the North East for their generosity and continued support :)