After completing a comprehensive two-year youth training program specialising in graphic design and printing techniques following secondary school, I embarked on a rewarding career journey. I secured full-time employment with a prominent plastic card manufacturing company, specialising in VIP passes and badges for the dynamic hospitality sector, encompassing music, sports, and conference events. Over 25 years, I thrived in multifaceted roles within the company, spanning design, pre-press, digital printing, administration, client services, and event organisation. My dedication culminated in a well-deserved promotion to operations manager.
Concurrently, I nurtured Orchid Memories Funeral Stationery, a small sideline business, which I passionately developed over the last five years of my employment. See About Us section
NOVEMBER 8TH 2019 – A DATE I WILL NEVER FORGET
After experiencing ongoing health problems for a few months, I was rushed into hospital for tests and an emergency blood transfusion. The devastating news followed: I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I had missed my smear test, leading to the discovery of a 6cm stage 2b tumour.
From that day, my life changed completely. I underwent CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans. I was transferred from Medway Hospital to the Kent Oncology Centre in Maidstone, where I met my amazing consultant and received my treatment plan. My treatment included surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and internal brachytherapy.
During the treatment, I had seven blood transfusions, a PICC line fitted, and my weight dropped to seven stone. Near the end of my treatment, I developed sepsis, which led to renal failure. The entire experience was incredibly frightening and the toughest challenge of my life, both physically and emotionally.
However, I met some of the most amazing individuals. The doctors, nurses, and staff at both Medway and Maidstone NHS Hospitals provided incredible care. I will never forget any of them, especially Dr Jeff Summers and Professor Omer Devaja, whom I hold in the highest regard.
JULY 13TH 2020 – THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!
At 10:12 AM, I received the life-changing call informing me that I was cancer-free. My ordeal was finally over, and my life was handed back to me. I celebrated that day with a well-deserved magnum of Moët & Chandon, shared with family and friends.
After my recovery and the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, I began to see life differently. I realised I needed to move on and find fulfilment elsewhere. It took courage to resign from my job of 25 years, especially after investing so much time and effort with my previous employer. However, I chose to prioritise my happiness and fulfilment by pursuing something I am passionate about.
SO HERE I AM TODAY, OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF MY OWN COMPANY… “ORCHID MEMORIES”
“If I Didn’t Make You Uncomfortable, You Never Would of Moved”
Yours Sincerely
The Universe
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Orchid Memories were brilliant and went above and beyond in everything we asked for and would highly recommend. We also chose Anna who works along side Orchid Memories to do our funeral flowers. We were all impressed and pleased how wonderful they looked and would certainly use her again if needed. Thank you so much Michael BanksPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolute superstar! Donna is great to work with and fantastic comms. She quickly and totally got the brief and was able to produce classic but personal artwork for the order of service and turned it around in record time. Mum is going to have the large board framed and will treasure it. Many thanks Donna, you were great to work with at such an emotional time. Well deserved ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic service. Dealt with all our requirements.Thank you Donna for all your help. Caroline Hayward.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Donna, thank you for exceptional service in preparing the most gorgeous Order of Service for our beloved dad/husband. You were empathetic, professional, reassuring and highly skilled. From the moment we first discussed what my family wanted, I knew I was in safe hands.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brilliant and professional service, very grateful.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service, really good quality of order of service, many thanks Donna, it was perfectPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Donna was excellent to work with and very accommodating of changes and suggestions. First class communication, delivered the brief and importantly on time. The end result was faultless and top quality. Although this was an order of service, people commented very positively on the overall appearance. Cannot recommend highly enough and would definitely utilise again. Thanks again Donna, at a very difficult time the ease of the entire process and result was much appreciated.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Donna and Anna supplied the Order of Service and Flowers for my father's funeral. They both smashed the brief and delivered exactly what I asked for. I can't recommend them both highly enough for their commitment, patience and professionalism. Thank you ladies for making the day a bit more bearable in knowing important things were in safe hands.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent communication, friendly, very quick to sort out a draft of what we asked for, made appropriate changes when when adding or taking away certain photos/texts and delivered quickly too. Would definitely use again. Thank you Donna! XPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Could not recommend enough. We were stressing due to holidays and bank holidays that we wouldn't have enough time to create, review and print, but this was no issue! Everything was so easy and quick, couldn't believe the turnaround time for everything. The order of service was perfect, everything we wanted and more. Thank you again for making it!
