A creative charity shop volunteer has patched together a novel way to spin fabric donations into fundraising gold – and help two causes close to her heart.
Retired nurse Steph Marescaux has been lending a hand in East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Hoveton shop since November 2024.
As well as doing something she ‘absolutely loves’, dedicated Steph buys the store’s unsold fabrics, tablecloths and blankets and transforms them into handcrafted treasures that prove a hit at local craft stalls.
From the money she makes, the 60-year-old is able to help buy items for her great niece, Demi, who has the neurological movement disorder dystonia, as well as making donations to Dystonia UK.
“It’s a win on so many levels and something I feel extremely passionate about,” said Steph, who lives in Horning.
“It means I can help EACH, by buying fabric donations we might struggle to sell or get much for. Sometimes they have beautiful embroidery detail but might be stained or damaged.
“Rather than throw them away, I can take those textiles and make things like bags, blouses, soft toys, cotton dolls and Christmas fairies.
“It gives me huge pleasure and satisfaction – and every penny I make after costs is used to help my great niece and keep Dystonia UK in people’s minds. Not only that, it’s also eco-friendly, as repurposing the fabric often prevents it being discarded and sent to landfill.”
Steph was an accident and emergency nurse during her illustrious career, including spending 20 years working in Saudi Arabia.
She has had a lifelong passion for needlework, having started her working life demonstrating sewing machines for retail giant John Lewis.
“It’s always been a passion, but things changed when Demi, who’s now 22, became unwell and was diagnosed with dystonia in 2012,” she said.
“Her family suddenly needed lots of expensive things like a wheelchair, accessible bath and hoist. Although some things were available on the NHS, they needed to raise funds, and that’s what gave me the idea to put my skills to good use.”
Steph, who sews every day from her kitchen table, says she loves volunteering and enjoys supporting a charity that provides vital care and support to children and families. She helps in the Hoveton shop every Wednesday.
“I don’t want to sit at home doing nothing and absolutely love it here,” she said.
“If ever I have to miss my regular day, I get withdrawal symptoms. I’ve learnt so many new skills and lots about the retail industry.
“There’s a clear connection between my nursing career and EACH, and when I started volunteering I knew I wanted to do something in the provision of care.
“However, what I do here is very different. There’s no pressure and far from having adrenaline-filled days, I find my role relaxing and stress-free.
“Although I love talking to customers, my real passion is being upstairs sifting through bags and boxes of donations.
“I work out what we can and can’t sell, what might be better-suited to another of our shops or what we should list on eBay.
“It’s exciting because you never know what gems you’re going to find.”
EACH Retail Manager and North-East Cluster Manager Naomi Munro praised Steph’s creativity.
“She’s so clever and a fantastic, much-valued volunteer who’s found a way to do something truly special,” she said.
“Not only are we raising additional funds, we’re also reducing waste and showing the community that sustainability is always in fashion – all while supporting Demi and Dystonia UK. It’s a full circle of goodness.”
To find out more volunteering in Hoveton, pop in for a chat or call 01603 369852.
