Love, Amelia
2022. Philip Capewell
2021. Steph Capewell
Steph and Philip Capewell, from Sunderland, lost their daughter, Amelia, just 12 minutes after her birth in 2018, and have since set up a charity in her memory to support babies and children experiencing poverty and hardship in the North-East.
Since 2019, ‘Love, Amelia’ has helped 7,000 children aged from birth to 16 years across Tyne & Wear and County Durham with gifts of essential and pre-loved items, with each box carefully packed by volunteers working with the charity. Over £750,000 worth of items have been distributed to the children who need them most. The charity aims to give all children the best start in life, receiving referrals from professionals who are supporting families in need including those fleeing domestic abuse, living in poverty or experiencing other challenging circumstances, ensuring resources are distributed fairly and efficiently to children who would benefit most.
The charity recently acquired a warehouse in Sunderland to handle and store donations of equipment, clothes, toys, cots, and other essentials for babies, children and the families who look after them.
In a personal letter to Steph and Philip, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“In Amelia’s memory, you have supported thousands of children, parents and carers across the North East. You have provided vulnerable families, including people who have fled domestic abuse, not just with essentials like clothes or toys, but with the gift of kindness when they need it the most.
“I was touched to hear that your acts of compassion have caught the imagination of others, and that you have now taken over a warehouse unit to manage the huge number of the donations you receive.”
Steph said:
“I am honoured and grateful to receive the Points of Light Award for my work in founding and running Love, Amelia. It means a lot to me to be recognised for the impact that Love, Amelia has in our community and I feel privileged to be able to help families in need by providing them with essential items for their children. As a parent, I know first-hand how expensive it can be to raise a family and after experiencing poverty in my own childhood, I was inspired to create a resource that could help ease some of the financial pressures of parenting. Knowing that the service we provide is making a difference in the lives of the families we support is what motivates me every day. We are blessed to have such a wonderful team, volunteers and support from the community who all share our passion and dedication. Thank you once again for the recognition of this award.”
Phil said:
“I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive the Points of Light award as a co-founder of Love, Amelia children’s charity. It is truly humbling to be recognised for the work we do to support families in need throughout Tyne & Wear and County Durham. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Love Amelia team, as well as the generosity and kindness of our supporters and volunteers. Without everyone’s contribution, the organisation would not be what it is today, and together we are making a positive impact on the lives of so many children and families in our communities.
Thank you again for this incredible award as we strive towards serving our communities.”
See more about ‘Love, Amelia’