Her commitment to charitable work has seen her host an impressive range of fundraising events, from elegant Black Tie Dinners to Tough Mudder challenges, charity walks, and so much more. Each year her efforts grow, with every event surpassing the last, and we are incredibly proud to stand beside her as she continues this remarkable journey.
The funds Jo‑Anne has raised have made a genuine difference to countless families, helping to provide vital facilities, equipment, and staff training for the Neo‑Natal Unit. None of this would have been possible without the generosity and support of everyone who has taken part along the way.
Jo‑Anne’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, she was invited to join the charity development board for the new Health & Wellbeing Hub for Chesterfield Royal Hospital staff. In 2022, she was also named a finalist for the Pride of Britain Awards — a testament to the impact of her work. More recently, her collaboration with the Paediatric Bereavement & Trauma Support Team inspired the creation of Mac’s Healing Hearts coffee mornings, offering comfort and connection to families navigating loss.
Her fundraising mission continues to support a range of meaningful projects, including the Dresses for Angels charity and the Maternity Ward at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. Earlier this year, Jo‑Anne donated £11,000 toward the development of the new memorial garden outside the birthing centre — a space that will offer peace and reflection for families for years to come.
If you would like to get involved or learn more about Jo‑Anne’s upcoming charity events, please visit our What’s On page.
COFFEE MORNINGS - "MAC'S HEALING HEARTS"
Paediatric Bereavement Care Coffee Morning - New Support Group
Held at the Sitwell Arms, on the 2nd Monday of each month.This informal gathering will provide a supportive space for parents and families to come together, share experiences and connect. The coffee morning will be held with support of the Paediatric Bereavement and Trauma Team of Chesterfield royal hospital, along with Jo-Anne the founder of "Mac's Healing Hearts" and Lisa Fletcher, the founder of "Dresses for Angels".
The format of our coffee mornings is as follows;
9.30am until 10.45am - Parent & Grandparent Support Group with a Monthly Focus
11am until 12pm - Coffee & Play, Family Support Group with a Monthly Focus
Our two seperate sessions will continue to provide community support & kindness, while allowing parents to feel safe and respected.
You don’t have to register you can just turn up on the day and enjoy a coffee and a chat. If you feel you would like to talk with someone before visiting you can email Jo-Anne to book a call, macshealinghearts@sitwellarms.com
A monthly topic focus creates an opening for our conversations...........
Remember you are not alone and talking is healing.
February 9th💗 Love & Connection
March 9th💗 Honouring all Mums ahead of Mothers Day
April 13th💗 Easter - Change of Season, representing Hope
May 11th💗Reflection Service - Visit to the Memorial Garden
June 8th💗 Honoring All Dads ahead of Fathers day
Email macshealinghearts@sitawellarms.com for more information
Child Loss Memorial Site
On the 18th September 2024 Jo-Anne planted a blossom tree in memory of her son's 11th birthday, on the grounds to the Sitwell Arms. The tree was planted with the intention it will flourish and grow, and symbolise the strength of a parent's love for their lost child. A brand new reflection area has been created for the tree, where parents and families can visit and pay tribute to their children.
A Child & Baby Loss memorial service is held annualy in September, for any grieving parents and families to attend in honour of their children, and attached locks to the fence of the reflection area. This area is adorned with locks bearing personal messages of love, remembrance, and hope, and is a breathtaking testament of the enduring strength and love of the parents and families who have experienced this unimaginable loss, like Jo-Anne.
This area is also open to further angel parents to visit and place locks on the fence. The locks are specialised and can only be purchased and registered through Jo-Anne. Further donations can be made to help maintain the reflection area, which is supported by Mac's Healing Hearts charitable fund. If you would like to pre-order a lock and make an appointment to visit the area, or make a donation please email macshealinghearts@sitwellarms.com
DID YOU KNOW?
It’s also baby loss awareness week 9-15th October. The wave of light takes place on the 15th October every year, where families across the world are invited to light a candle at 7pm local time, and leave it burning for at least one hour to remember all babies that have passed too soon.
https://babyloss-awareness.org
https://www.babyloss-awareness.org/wave-of-light/
