From Leicestershire to Seattle: A Special LOROS Fundraising Lamb Finds a New Home
At Edmonds & Slatter Opticians, supporting our local community is at the heart of everything we do. Each year, we choose a Charity of the Year and dedicate our fundraising efforts to helping make a difference. Our current charity is LOROS Hospice, a cause that is close to the hearts of many across Leicestershire.
Throughout the year, our teams organise a variety of fundraising activities, including raffles, charity collections and our ever-popular 'Name the Cuddly Toy' competitions. Earlier this spring, a flock of adorable plush lambs helped us raise funds for LOROS, with each one finding a loving new home.
However, one lamb's journey has been particularly special. After being won in one of our fundraising competitions, a lamb named Dilly embarked on an incredible trip across the Atlantic to Seattle, USA. Accompanied by "Grandma Gigi", Dilly safely arrived at her new home with a little girl called Gwen.
Dilly's story carries an especially touching meaning. Gwen will sadly never have the opportunity to meet her grandfather, Trevor, who received care and support from LOROS until December 2024. Through Dilly, Trevor's memory can continue to be celebrated and remembered by future generations of his family.
The family kindly shared photographs of Dilly settling into life in Seattle, along with a heartfelt message: "I'm delighted to let you know that Dilly made it safely to Seattle (with my friend, Grandma Gigi) to deliver to little Gwen in the pictures. Dilly is quite at home in Seattle.
Gwen will sadly never get to meet her grandfather Trevor who was cared for at LOROS until Dec 2024. His memory will be a reminder through Dilly though."
Amy Coleburne, charity co-ordinator at Edmonds & Slatter Opticians commented: “Stories like this remind us that fundraising is about much more than raising money. It is about creating connections, supporting families, preserving memories and helping charities such as LOROS continue their invaluable work.”
She continued: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who takes part in our fundraising activities and helps us support this wonderful local charity. We never imagined one of our fundraising lambs would travel over 4,700 miles to spread comfort and remembrance, but Dilly's journey is a beautiful example of the lasting impact small acts of kindness can have.”
