A THIRTY-five year-old full-time school teacher from Horwich, is raising money for Christie’s in memory of her mum.

Michelle Dickinson began selling candles during lockdown in January 2021, after receiving a candle making set from her sister-in-law Kate Dickinson, as a Christmas gift in 2020.

Michelle lost her mum, Lesley Ann Fielding in March 2019, at the age of 62 to the rare cancer pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP).

Lesley spent a lot of her time being cared for at The Christie and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, before spending her last week at home surrounded by family.

Fundraising for The Christie is something Michelle and her mum did together regularly when Lesley worked at Salford Royal.

Michelle said: “My mum told me to keep fundraising and raise awareness because it’s such a rare cancer.

“I’ve always liked crafts, and to do it for what I am doing for means so much.

“It’s also really great to raise money for Christie’s and create bespoke candles.

“It’s not just about making candles though, every candle represents knowledge about PMP.”

Through selling her candles Michelle not only hopes to raise money, but to raise more awareness so people can be diagnosed as early as possible.

Michelle added: “With my mum being diagnosed in 2015, it meant that we had four really special years with mum because we had time to prepare.

“So I would say it’s so important to get it checked out if you have symptoms, even if it doesn’t turn out to be anything.”

It’s not just the idea that was inspired by Michelle’s mum, but also her company’s butterfly logo which represents her mum and her favourite colours, all designed by her brother, Christopher Fielding.

All the funds from selling candles go directly to The Christie and towards the cost of making the candles, with no other profits made.

Michelle wants to raise money and awareness as much as she can, and currently has a range of Christmas candles gift wrapped and each sold with a candy cane.

Michelle will also make an appearance at Westhoughton’s Christmas market at The Kitchen restaurant on Sunday from 10am to 3pm. More information can be found on the Made By Michelle Facebook page or by emailing madebymichelle21@outlook.com