Amethyst Homes is delighted to be supporting the creation of a heartwarming new children’s book for Willow Burn Hospice – which is based in Lanchester, County Durham.
Money raised from our affiliated company (Dysart Group) 2025 annual inter-company golf day, has enabled us to contribute to a unique new storytelling project, designed to help children navigate the difficult journey of bereavement.
Featuring Will O’Burn, the hospice’s rabbit mascot, the upcoming illustrated picture book is a collaboration between author Victoria Downes and illustrator Helen Turner. Their work aims to help families to feel supported during difficult times by giving children a safe, nurturing way to explore grief and remembrance through storytelling.
To date, we – and the Dysart Group – have raised over £5,000 for the hospice through a series of dedicated activities, including the gruelling 180-mile “Coast to Castle” cycle ride from Tynemouth to Edinburgh and regular annual charity golf days. We have also championed a mortgage matching initiative with the Mortgage Advice Bureau, which saw donations to Willow Burn Hospice made for every mortgage arranged.
Rachel Quince – Deputy Chief Executive & Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Willow Burn Hospice said: “We are thrilled to bring this story and fantastic resource to fruition – with help from some very special supporters – including Amethyst Homes.
“Storytelling and characters like Will O’Burn can help young people navigate loss by opening the door to meaningful conversations without pressure, fear or overwhelm.”
Richard Bass added: “As a local business, we are keen to support vital charities in our area. Willow Burn is central to the community, and we are pleased that our fundraising is helping young people navigate the complex emotions caused by grief”.
The book ‘Will O’Burn and the Friends Who Remember’ will be available from June 2026. Other organisations to help fund the book include, Conside Masonic Lodge, Durham Freemasons Rotary Club of Consett, Wolsingham School and Willow Burn Hospice.
Photo: From left to right: Richard Bass Development Director with Amethyst Homes, Will O’Burn, the Willow Burn Hospice rabbit mascot and Paula Spoor, Sales Manager with Amethyst Homes.
