Supporting the Suzy Orrsome Foundation

Giving Back Through Creativity: Supporting Local Causes at the North West Jewellery School

At the North West Jewellery School, we believe in the power of creativity to bring people together and strengthen our local community. As a proud part of the region, we are committed to supporting local initiatives, artisans, and aspiring jewellers by providing accessible, high-quality training in a welcoming environment. Through collaborations with local businesses, charities, and community groups, we aim to inspire a new generation of makers while fostering a sense of connection and craftsmanship. Whether through workshops, outreach programmes, or partnerships, we are dedicated to giving back and ensuring that creativity continues to shine in our community.

Supporting the Suzy Orrsome Foundation

In 2024, we were proud to support a cause close to our hearts - the Suzy Orrsome Foundation. This inspiring charity was launched by Suzy Orr on International Women’s Day 2024, following her own diagnosis of breast cancer during a routine mammogram in June 2023. Suzy’s experience highlighted the urgent need to improve both the treatment experience and the outcomes for those affected by breast cancer. Her foundation is now on a mission to enhance the quality of care and overall wellbeing of patients, and we knew we wanted to help.

At the North West Jewellery School, we see first hand how creativity can uplift and empower. It only felt right to channel that creative energy into something that would make a real difference. As part of our fundraising efforts, we hosted a series of special workshops and jewellery-making demonstrations, offering attendees the chance to get hands on with their own creations in exchange for donations to the foundation.

We also launched a bespoke line of handcrafted ribbon earrings, with £5 from each pair sold going directly to the charity. These meaningful pieces symbolise both strength and solidarity and we’re thrilled to see our community wearing them with pride.

But we didn’t stop there.

In a truly ambitious initiative, our team pledged to walk 10 million steps with the goal of raising £10,000 for the Suzy Orrsome Foundation. Supporters could get involved by either pledging their own steps, from short strolls to long hikes, or by joining us for a major challenge: the Yorkshire Three Peaks on 10th October. Although we had to postpone the official walk due to various injuries amongst the team, founder Suzanne Pattinson took to the hills with her husband and completed two of the three peaks, Whernside and Ingleborough in 8 hours.  “It was a tough decision to make, postponing the event due to injury of others in the team but at the last minute I threw caution to the wind and decided to still complete two of the three peaks on the day.  It was a memorable day, and we still managed to raise much needed money and awareness of the amazing work that Suzy is doing.  

Anyone who would still like to contribute to our total, or join in future fundraising events, can find details on the charity fundraising page on our website.

Looking Ahead

The support we’ve received so far has been truly overwhelming, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken part, donated, or shared our mission. As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue our charitable work and are actively seeking new causes and community activities to support.

Creativity doesn’t just shape jewellery, it shapes lives. And at the North West Jewellery School, we are proud to be using our  creativity to make a meaningful difference.