Fizz-free February in memory of Elaine

In memory of my friend Elaine Scott, I am going to do a fizz free February, to make it a bit more challenging I will go alcohol free…

History/backstory

I’m an immigrant originally from Norfolk who has made Sheffield home. I met Elaine Scott in 1998 through work. We have been friends ever since…

FAQs

Q: why a ‘fizz-free February’?

A: I missed the bus for dry January, and that’s what everyone does…also, it’s a great bit of alliteration

Q: why should I donate to you?

A: excellent question - anyone who knows me, knows I’m partial to a glass of fizz, so going fizz-free seems apt. More importantly, this is not to fund my shoe/handbag/coat habit. On the 13th October 2024, whilst in the centre of Birmingham I received a phone call from my dear friend Phil Stuart to tell me the heartbreaking news that Elaine (my friend of 25+ years) had passed away the night before after a very short, and unexpected second battle with cancer. I still can’t imagine the pain he, Poppy and Elaine’s family were going through as I felt my world fall apart. So me giving up fizz (all alcohol) for February (whilst loving the alliteration) is to try and raise some money for an amazing cause in memory of a much-loved, amazing person.

I know times are hard. We’ve just had Christmas, we are all skint, for some - tax returns have just been paid….we all want to get money back into our savings etc…. I share your pain and do understand.

I would really appreciate anything you can donate to this cause to help me honour the memory of one of the most wonderful humans. In return I will take pledge to abstain from Prosecco, champagne, all sparkling wine… all alcohol (in for a penny ).

I have also picked up my knitting needles, I am not a ‘natural’ knitter, but will be focusing on ‘attention to detail’ (this is different to OCD…honest ) to ensure that every product is (almost) perfect. Each item will need to pass quality control. I will be asking/begging for donations, not ‘selling’ anything - you will need to be patient…I am NOT good at this, but am ensuring the products are of a standard that can be worn without people feeling too embarrassed - I hope

To finish my very long answer to this question….If you believe that angels walk amongst us, Elaine was definitely one of those angels. The purest of hearts, the kindest of souls. I am a better person for knowing her. Please give what you can you can to keep the memory of this beautiful soul burning brightly.

Thank you

Now I will go back to being the immature person I am at heart and take a bendy straw as a microphone, as taught by Elaine , and sing my heart out to Mr Brightside

I'm raising money in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Macmillan Cancer Support: At Macmillan, we give people with cancer everything we've got. If you're diagnosed, your worries are our worries. We will move mountains to help you live life as fully as you can.

And we don't stop there. We're going all out to find even better ways to help people with cancer, helping to bring forward the day when everyone gets life-transforming support from day one.

We're doing whatever it takes. But without your help we can't support everyone who needs us.