A CHARITY set up to help families make precious memories was welcomed at Barnard Castle’s weekly market.
Joe and Gemma Baum launched the Maia Mouse Foundation in April 2017 following the death of their 11-month-old daughter, Maia Olivia Baum.
Maia lost her battle with a rare form of cancer of the central nervous system in May 2016. To help other families in situations similar to their own, Mr and Mrs Baum decided to start fundraising in Maia’s memory.
The aim is to provide financial support, through grants, so that families who are living with a child with a life-limiting condition can make memories.
Maia’s grandmother, Evelyn Sewell, hosted the fundraising stall in the town this month. Books and a selection of crafts handmade by Ms Sewell were on sale to help boost the charity’s funds. They raised £908.
Ms Sewell, who lives in West Auckland, said: “It all started when I retired last April. To fill in my time and in memory of Maia, my granddaughter, I bought material and wool and had some donated. I started making craft pieces.
“It is my way of remembering Maia. I would go out and buy materials and it was like I was shopping for her.
“This is the first time I have sold any of it. I have been building stock up especially for today.
“I really enjoy doing it. To me it is for Maia and it is keeping Maia’s memory alive.” Mr Baum is originally from Barnard Castle and Mrs Baum is from West Auckland but the couple now live in Huddersfield with their 18-month old son, George.
During the past 18 months, the charity has raised about £70,000.
It is linked with Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, in Huddersfield, which supported the family through their difficult time.
Ms Baum said: “It is fabulous what my mum has been doing. I had no idea how much stock she actually had. The support we have had has been great. Things have been going on all round the country. It is overwhelming.”
With the help of a board of trustees, the charity will soon be offering grants of £250 to families who need them.
Ms Baum added: “When we found out Maia’s diagnosis she was given a couple of weeks to live. We were told to do anything we wanted to do with her. It was small things like go to the farm, go swimming and go to the beach.
“We fitted so much into those few weeks we wanted to give others the same opportunity that we had.
“It is about the small things in life that the children might not get to do otherwise. It is also about the things that we might take for granted.”
Barnard Castle Town Council offers one free stall for charities at the weekly Wednesday market.
The family thanked the town council for the opportunity.
To find out more about Maia Mouse Foundation visit www.maiamousefoundation.org.uk.
