Help Sarah Keep History Alive: Support My Cancer Battle

Sarah Lord is organizing this fundraiser.

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Hello everyone,

My name is Sarah Lord, and today I'm doing something I don't often do- I'm asking for your support. Along with my father, Graham Taylor, I run Potted History, a family business dedicated to creating museum-quality ceramic replicas. Unfortunately, I am now facing a significant challenge in my life - a breast cancer diagnosis. I need your assistance to help me overcome this and continue my work.

My Story:

For over 25 years, Graham has been running Potted History, and I joined him in the past 15 years. Our passion lies in making history accessible to everyone by providing museum-quality replicas that capture the authenticity and essence of the original pieces. Our dedication to using traditional hand-crafting methods ensures that each piece is true to its historical origins.

I make up half of Potted History, where I use my skills to recreate some of the world's greatest ceramic treasures. Our work helps advance our understanding of past communities and allows history lovers worldwide to be the curators of their own home museums through authentically hand-crafted replicas.

I can usually be found elbow-deep in clay, chasing Graham to see if a pot is ready, or making something whether it's a toy for one of my nieces and nephews or a garment for my son, George - who is even better known for his style than I am ;).

However, my journey has taken an unexpected turn. A breast cancer diagnosis has threatened my ability to continue this important work. I am not ready to accept defeat, but the treatment I face may have a profound impact on my ability to craft these historical replicas. The first round of treatment will be chemotherapy, which poses a risk of nerve damage to my hands, a critical tool for my fine modeling work. I also realise now that my hands are vital to my world and my identity.

My husband Matt will be doing his best to support me, taking time off to be with me during chemo, but he cannot stop working completely. We may also need extra support looking after our son George, aged 11.

My family knows me as someone who just gets on with it, and I'm fiercely independent. But I've got to admit that on this occasion, I need your help. I'll be having both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. You'll still see me around the village where I live, and I'll probably be rocking some stylish head scarf looks.

The Need:

I am aiming to raise £10,444 to help cover the costs of various tools, additional treatments, and physiotherapy that will help me maintain my hand dexterity and allow me to recover more quickly so I can return to creating fabulous replicas full-time. Your generous donation will also help cover some of the hidden daily costs of cancer, such as increased travel expenses and heating bills.

Here’s a breakdown of what your support will go towards:

Cancer-related living expenses: £2,280 (£570 per month for 4 months of chemotherapy)
Cancer-related living expenses during radiotherapy recovery: £4,560 (£570 per month for 8 months of recovery)
Physio/trained professional to establish an exercise routine that promotes nerve function in my hands: £150 for the first session and £160 per month for 12 months (£1,920)
Ice gloves: £25
Ice socks: £25
Garmin watch to monitor vitals: £229
Wigs and head coverings: £400
Travel expenses: £300
Fundraising charges (2.9%): £280

Unfortunately, as well as being a scary disease, cancer is known to increase a household's monthly outgoings by an average of £570 due to the additional needs of the patient, including specialist equipment, increased travel costs, and larger heating bills. Your support would help ease the financial stresses caused by cancer and would make my cancer journey a bit easier.

You can read about cancer's hidden costs via this Macmillan Cancer page.HERE

How You Can Help:

Donate: Any amount, big or small, will make a huge difference in my life.

Share:

Please share my story with your friends and family. The more people who know about my situation, the more support I can gather.

Support: Leave a message of encouragement. Your kind words can be a great source of strength for me during this time.

Updates:

I will keep you updated on my progress and how your contributions are making a difference. Your support is greatly appreciated, and I am thankful for any help you can provide.

Thank You:

Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Your support will make a significant difference, helping me get back to what I love - preserving history for all to enjoy.

Need More Info:

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Fundraising Goal: £10,444