Sisters and small business owners donate for two years to charity who helped late mum
Two sisters who own a small online business based in Sheffield donated 10 per cent of profits from gift wrap to the charity that helped their late mum with dementia.
The owners of Martha and Hepsie, an online store that offers uniquely designed products, recently lost their mother, Penelope.
After a stroke in 2019, Penelope developed early onset dementia, and after a few months in hospital, she was moved to a care home for four years.
During this difficult time, Sheffield Hospitals Charity supported the family.
Co-owner of Martha and Hepsie, Martha Copinger Sneddon, 41, said: “All the staff were amazing when we were going through a really traumatic phase of life for our family.
“I was obviously visiting an awful lot, so the care and attention of every member of staff meant a lot.”
For the business’s 2024 and 2025 ‘Gift Wrap That Gives Campaign’, the sisters decided to donate 10 per cent of profit from gift wrap sales to Sheffield Hospitals Charity.
The charity supports Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and Sheffield Health Partnership University Trust, with funding that is above the NHS budget.
Beth Crackles, 42, chief executive of Sheffield Hospitals Charity, was asked how she reacted to Martha and Hepsie’s donations.
She said: “Their generosity and positive spirit during those times is pretty humbling.
“It’s a way of supporting our work around dementia and recognising their amazing mum at the same time.”
Beth mentioned research that shows one in four dementia patients are admitted with health problems that could be treated at home. The charity therefore helps people to live independently with dementia, avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions.
The charity is also currently working on building two dementia gardens at the Northern General Hospital, in a ward where there is currently no outdoor space.
Beth said: “One will be slightly more stimulating for activities, and one will be slightly more calming.
“A place of reflection or where you might meet with family and loved ones.”
Donations to Sheffield Hospitals Charity can be made here.