Speedwell resident raises funds for children's hospice

Crafting with Heart

At Speedwell Court Care Home in West End, Southampton, creativity and community spirit came together this Christmas thanks to one very special resident. Fay Wicks, a wonderfully creative and life-celebrating member of the Speedwell Court family, raised an impressive £91.50 for Naomi House & Jacksplace by handcrafting and selling beautiful Christmas tree ornaments.

Inspired by the festive season, Fay cleverly upcycled used medication pots, transforming them into glittering Christmas bells. Selling them from a table in reception during a Christmas event, she delighted staff, residents’ families and visitors alike. Speedwell Court were proud to contribute to Fay’s incredible efforts by topping up her fundraising, bringing the total donation to £150.

A charity close to Fay’s heart

Fay’s connection to Naomi House & Jacksplace stretches back to 1996. Upon retiring, and becoming a grandmother at the age of 60, she decided to donate her small retirement collection of £37 to the charity. Having just welcomed a “bright and bonny” grandson into the world, Fay felt deeply thankful for his safe arrival and wanted to support families facing far more difficult circumstances.

Over the years, she continued to send donations whenever she could. Later, when she began making jewellery in retirement, she would invite friends and neighbours to buy her creations and would send part of the proceeds to Naomi House & Jacksplace.

Her motivation has always come from compassion. Having known families affected by childhood illness, including a neighbour whose young granddaughter spent time supported by Naomi House & Jacksplace, Fay understands the heartbreak some families endure.

“It’s extraordinary,” Fay says, reflecting on the hospice’s work. “The things they think of — you wouldn’t imagine. When a child passes, the family are given time and space, in beautiful surroundings which can mean so much at a difficult time.”

From tablet pots to Christmas bells

The idea for the Christmas decorations came from an everyday object; the small plastic pots used for medication. Turned upside down and tied together, Fay realised they resembled tiny bells. “I thought they would make lovely Christmas table decorations,” she explained.

After painting them gold and silver, she added PVA glue and rolled them in glitter to disguise the measurement markings. Some featured three bells with ribbon, bows and holly; others were sold as doubles or singles for Christmas trees.

Understanding that presentation matters, Fay positioned herself where there was plenty of footfall. Her instincts paid off.

One early customer, who was a visitor to the home, admired her work and happily paid £5 for a triple-bell decoration after learning the proceeds were for charity. Another family member bought her final six decorations, pressing a £20 note into her hand. “I didn’t have any left for my own table,” Fay laughed. “But that was lovely, people wanting to be part of it.”

In total, she raised £91.50, including advance orders, despite braving a particularly wet and windy day. She does not stop there as she recently raised £128 for Alzheimer’s Society at the end of January 2026 from those attending her 90th birthday party.

Encouragement to create again

Fay credits Speedwell Court with helping her rediscover her creativity. After the loss of her husband and challenges with her hands that made crafting difficult, she had stopped making things altogether.

“When I came here, I was encouraged to start again,” she says. “Speedwell Court has saved my life. My friends said they’ve never seen me looking so well.”

With six activities a day and a dedicated activities team, residents are encouraged to get involved as much or as little as they wish. Fay has thrown herself into community life, from dressing up as a chicken at Easter to becoming “Calamity Fay” and even embracing a 1960s hippie look. With a background in amateur dramatics, she’s always ready for a costume.

She has also built strong friendships with fellow residents and staff, describing the carers and activities team as “committed” and incredibly supportive. “It’s brought me back to life coming here,” she says simply.

“It’s brought me back to life coming here”

— Fay Wicks, resident at Speedwell court

Community in action

Fay’s story is a shining example of the spirit at Speedwell Court — creativity, compassion and community all working together. Her handcrafted bells not only raised funds for an important local charity but also brought people together in generosity and goodwill.

A member of Naomi House & Jacksplace’s fundraising team visited Fay on Wednesday 11th February to accept the cheque, complete with a celebratory photo opportunity.

As for her next project? There may well be more bells to come. We can’t wait to see what this incredible lady creates next.

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