A mum from Capel Hendre who took a career break to look after her poorly son has set-up an award-winning handmade gift business.

After taking voluntary redundancy in 2017 to care for her teenage son Ryan full time, Sarah Skilton decided to set-up Adventure Accessories as part of her therapy to help with her depression resulting from this harrowing time.

Ryan, 17, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive lymphoma when he was just 14 and his cancer returned in 2017.

Mother-of-two Sarah said: “Ryan's cancer relapsed in September 2017 and he is now undergoing a revolutionary immunotherapy treatment called Pembrolizumab.

“He is responding well but still faces a very uncertain future.

“I have been going to counselling to help with my depression and my counsellor encouraged me to get back into crocheting and crafting which I have enjoyed doing all my life.

“I have been giving stuff I’ve made away as gifts for years and I took part in a craft market in Christmas 2017 and I sold out of my stock and received orders for the following year.

“This is when I decided to build a website as a business.”

Adventure Accessories was born in May 2018 and combines outdoors with funky accessories.

From bobble hats to personalised notebooks, the store offers a variety of stylish garments.

The business, which is run from Sarah’s family home, has also been recognised with three awards.

Adventure Accessories was named Queen of Gift of Outdoor by Aqua Design Group in September 2018, won MarketMe’s #SmartSocial award in the same month and was also selected as BrightPig’s Business of the Week in October 2018

“These awards have really boosted my confidence,” said Sarah, 44.

“The business has been about turning a nightmare into a more positive situation.

“It has given me a reason to get up in the morning.

“Ryan still goes to Cardiff every three weeks for treatment, but crocheting is a mobile craft, so I am able to take it with me wherever I go.

“My husband built me a workbench in our conservatory and I love it.”

For more information visit adventureaccessories.co.uk.