Hebburn mum sets up homeware business in memory of late friend Heather Winthrop

A Hebburn mum has set up a homeware business in memory of her late friend after she lost her battle with breast cancer.

Deborah Dawson started her business, Heather’s Home, just a few weeks ago, selling homeware and home accessories based at Shaftesbury Avenue in South Shields, near Tesco.

The 59-year-old began her business in memory of her dear friend Heather Winthrop, who died in February this year after battling breast cancer for 21 years.

Heather was beloved by many and earlier this year her family and friends took on a walk from Hebburn to Durham Cathedral, raising almost £8,000 for local charity Cancer Connections.

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The charity supported Heather through her cancer and mum-of-five Deborah has also decided to use her new business to support Cancer Connections in memory of Heather.

She hopes Heather’s House can be a space for people going through their own cancer journeys can come to talk and with every purchase she is giving away car air fresheners with a reminder to check your breasts on them.

A QR code on the air freshener will take you to COPA’s website for more information.

In addition to giving them away with a purchase, Deborah is also selling these for a suggested donation of £3.

Deborah said she and Heather always shopped together for home accessories, even venturing as far as Asia and Las Vegas on their shopping trips.

This shared love of homeware inspired her new business and she is stocking lots of trinkets, garlands, vases, candles and more.

Deborah said: “She was always such a positive person, such an inspiration to us.

“The nurses in the hospital used to call her the sunshine, she lit the ward up.

“When Heather died, I wanted to do something in her memory.

“She had such a natural talent for being creative and beautiful in her home.

“Her home was always gorgeous and I’m trying to follow that style.”

She hopes to organise future events to support Cancer Connections too.

Deborah said: “It’s not just a home accessory store, it’s somewhere where people can come in and feel comfortable, have a cup of tea and chat.”

On Saturday, November 14, from 11am to 3pm, Deborah is hosting a Christmas event, complete with hot chocolate, bubbles, cookies and pumpkin pie, free of charge to welcome people to Heather’s House.

Attendees are welcome to make a voluntary donation to Cancer Connections.