A SHOPPING blunder turned into a stroke of genius as a Rugby mum was able to turn her mistake into a charity venture with the help of a TV star.
Hayley Lloyd, 40, mistakenly ordered a miniscule 77x41cm window blind when she mixed up inches and millimetres.
She suggested the blind’s manufacturers, Tuiss, auction the blind to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy UK – a charity very close to her heart as her nine-year-old son Tommy is affected by the condition.
Touched by Hayley and Tommy’s story, Tuiss created a special blind in honour of the charity. The design carries Muscular Dystrophy UK’s logo, and 15% of each one sold will be donated to the charity which offers vital support to 70,000 families affected by muscle-wasting conditions.
The pair also received a visit from Channel 4’s Gogglebox regular, George Gilbey, as he travelled across the country to present them with the new blind design. The Celebrity Big Brother finalist forged a special relationship with Hayley last year after donning a parachute and sky diving with her raising an impressive £3,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Hayley said: “It has been a great day for Tommy and I, the surprise appearance from George really topped it off.
“I really love the new blind design. It is amazing that a light-hearted joke on Twitter has turned into a valuable fundraising opportunity for a charity so close to my heart – huge thanks to everyone at Tuiss.
“When Tommy was first diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy, I didn’t know where to turn – Muscular Dystrophy UK’s support has been invaluable.”
George Gilbey said: “Hayley and Tommy are both amazing, they mean a lot to me.
“I didn’t know much about muscle-wasting conditions until last year when I met the Lloyds. I hope that by lending my support today, I can raise awareness and encourage people to invest in one of these beautiful blinds!”
Visit www.tuiss.co.uk/roller-blinds/14410/options-maya-sunset-orange.htm to buy one of the special charity blinds.
