A TRANSATLANTIC friendship has been forged with a little help from our Christmas card range.
Anne Lott, from Atlanta in the United States, first discovered St Cuthbert’s Hospice’s cards and calendars in 1998 during a visit to Durham.
Anne, who was born and raised in Newton Hall, moved to the US with her family in 1981 but still feels a great connection to her home city.
Every Christmas, she sends her loved ones cards featuring festive Durham scenes and she is a big fan of the Hospice’s card selection.
She also buys our calendar and cuts out and frames the photographs to remind her of home.
Last year, however, the cards Anne wanted sold out quickly and sadly we were unable to get them to her in time for Christmas.
But Retail Volunteer Anne Heywood was determined our loyal customer did not miss out altogether and pulled out all the stops to get the order to Atlanta in the New Year.
During this time, the two Annes swapped numerous friendly emails and when Anne Heywood contacted her to say the cards were ready to send out, Anne Lott announced she would collect them in person.
Last week, the new friends met for the first time at Park House Café and Gift Shop at the Hospice and got to know each over coffee and fruit scones.
“It’s always wonderful to come back to Durham and visit St Cuthbert’s Hospice,” said Anne Lott, who has the Durham Advertiser as her computer homepage.
“This is the fourth time I’ve been to St Cuthbert’s Hospice. I love stocking up on cards and presents in the gift shop. They are very popular with my friends and family back home. It is lovely to meet Anne. Everyone is so kind and welcoming at the Hospice.”
Anne Heywood added: “I was delighted when Anne told me she was going to pick the cards up at the Hospice. I’ve really enjoyed finding out about her adventures in Durham and America.”
23/02/2016
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