26
Nov
Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal: 'It’s made a big difference to both our lives'
Raworths is proud to support the Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2025 for the fantastic work of Henshaws. All money raised goes directly to this charity.
There’s nothing that Amanda loves more at Christmas than singing festive songs with her daughter, Karina.
It’s a simple thing that many of us take for granted, but for many years it was just a dream for Amanda.
Karina is 31 years old and has Rett Syndrome, a rare neurological condition. She is unable to talk, has a gastronomy tube to help with feeding and has used a wheelchair all her life.
Before she joined Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre in Knaresborough, Karina would scream and cry whenever she heard loud noises or music.
But through the creative opportunities at the centre, the patience and support of staff, and the social interaction with her peers, Karina has learnt to love music.
And she has transformed in other ways, too. She sleeps better, eats better, and is visibly more happy and content. Karina has even grown so much in confidence that she had her first ever birthday party in the Henshaws café when she turned 30. Amanda says:
It's a fantastic community and environment. Karina loves it. She feels like she's part of something.
A Christmas filled with music
Chirtsmas time for Karina is now filled with music. In the multi-sensory room, Karina’s favourite space at Henshaws, festive songs play in the background. Workshops are tailored to each person’s abilities so that everyone can join in, and Karina and her friends have been working together to make a Polar Express for the Christmas display.
The Polar Express, made by Artmakers in the multi-sensory room
And for Amanda, Christmas with Karina means listening to carols and festive songs together. Whether they’re at Henshaws or out shopping, they enjoy the season through their shared love of music. Amanda says:
My husband and I couldn’t watch TV or have the radio on because Karina didn’t like music. But now we love listening to music together and she enjoys choosing her favourite songs. She's gone from crying and screaming to big smiles on her face.
Henshaws has made a huge difference to Karina’s life and to ours as well. It’s a lovely place.
Why support our Christmas Appeal
Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre in Knaresborough makes a huge difference to people like Amanda and Karina. It offers inspiration, purpose and friendship to people with disabilities, in turn also providing respite and support to their families.
Amanda, who had to give up her job to care full time for her daughter, says the centre has been a ‘lifeline’ for both herself and Karina. She says:
As a parent of a child with disabilities, it's hard work. You are a full-time carer with no respite. You feel like you are on your own.
When we found Henshaws the staff helped me a lot and I've made some really good friends here. Sometimes you just need one person to ask if you’re all right.
Amanda is so grateful to Henshaws that she now volunteers for them, helping with events and fundraising as a way of giving something back. She would love to see the workshops developed further so that more people can have the same life-changing experience that she and Karina have. She says:
How to donate
By supporting our Christmas Appeal, you’ll be helping people like Karina and Amanda access the support and creative opportunities offered at Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre.
Please contribute whatever you can. Thank you.
0