High praise for Faye who defied the odds

Faye Savory scooped the NatWest Enterprise Award at the recent Prince’s Trust awards, which recognises the achievements of disadvantaged young people who have succeeded against the odds.

Faye was working as a therapist in the city when she was diagnosed with chronic Lyme Disease; which severely affected her mobility and her ability to carry out everyday tasks. On her worst days, she was unable to wash, dress or feed herself and she could only leave the house using a wheelchair.

Forced to leave her job, but wanting to stay productive, Faye began blogging and making jewellery, which she sold online, donating the profits to chronic illness charities. She then turned her hand to making and selling ‘hug in a box’ gift hampers, filled with handmade treats designed to capture the warmth and comfort of a hug, to be sent to loved ones far away. In less than a year, Faye sold more than 1,000 boxes and has since forged a philanthropic partnership with the charity Post Pals.