Burton Albion Football Club

A BURTON resident, who is trying her best to make a difference to a cause that’s very close to her heart, has received £250.00 from Burton Albion Football Club.

The hard work and dedication that Julie King puts into making Cuddlecot Keepsake Blankets, caught the attention and emotions of staff at the club and Community Trust, following Julie’s heart-warming email.

Having lost a child herself and then after not being able to go on to have children, she took it upon herself to sponsor a delivery of 10 Cuddlecots by the Co-op Funeral Parlour. Mrs King then wanted to further help, by raising sponsorship to buy materials and make the Keepsake Blankets herself.

When talking about the story behind the blankets and how they work, Mrs King said: “I felt I wanted to try and do something to make a difference. After being limited following a stroke, I also suffer from anxiety and depression, so I felt that from doing this and making the blankets, it gives me more of a purpose in life.

“I started with help from friends and neighbours, I’ve gone on to receive donations from smaller and larger companies. Each blanket is unique and is all wrapped with bespoke tags to say who has kindly donated each blanket, so the bereaved parents know exactly who’s helped to bring them a certain amount of closure. The parents get to keep one and one goes with the baby in the coffin.”

Fleur Robinson, Burton Albion Commercial Director, said: “the loss of a child is an unimaginable situation and it’s fantastic that Julie is trying to support these losses with some comfort and a treasured memory. Julie is a fantastic lady, who’s doing something very special. It’s really good to see that there are other companies that have contributed as well, helping Julie to be able to continue and buy materials for what she’s doing.”

(Picture L to R – Claire Hood of Burton Albion Community Trust, Julie King and Burton Albion Commercial Director Fleur Robinson).