Heathers’ story
I started to learn the art of basketry, the year after my daughter Naina died. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer). After many complications with surgery and chemotherapy, then leg amputation, she died in May 2013. She was 13 years old.
Two years later, in 2015, my son Samji suddenly died in an accident, he was 19 years old and studying to be a professional musician at Bristol university.
After I attended my first basketry class, I realised that I had actually focused on something other than my loss. This gave me a huge sense of achievement, it felt as though I had unlocked my mind.
The distraction and focus freed my mind and allowed my creativity to step in. It has had such an empowering effect on how I perceive things.
Each class that I attended brought feelings of well-being, friendship and a sense of belonging to something. Slowly but surely, I found myself able to discuss my losses with others in the group.
Each class that I attended brought feelings of well-being, friendship and a sense of belonging to something. Slowly but surely, I found myself able to discuss my losses with others in the group.
My passion grew week by week, I made shopping baskets, log baskets, egg baskets and so it went on.
I now teach my own classes and hold day workshops, the need to share what I have learned and how it has helped my recovery is a huge part of my life.