A family tearoom is at the centre of a year-long awareness campaign to highlight Crohn’s Disease and its impact.
Half of the four-strong team at Victoria House in Gosberton are living with the autoimmune condition.
And it is now the centre of operations for the campaign to tell people how much of an impact Crohn’s can have.
The tea shop was previously the family home of Paul and Sapphira Waterson.
Their daughter Jade Connolly-Beever has Crohn’s and found it difficult to find a job as a result.
She had enjoyed working in a tea room, but was made redundant when the COVID-19 lockdowns hit.
Jade continued to bake with her own company Pretty Baked, but her parents were worried she was becoming too isolated.
So, in 2021, Sapphira persuaded Paul to set up a tea room in their home.
The award winning Victoria House has thrived since and when it needed to take on more staff Georgia Houghton joined the team.
She also has Crohn’s and was concerned about the impact of her condition.
The pair’s battles led to Sapphira wanting to raise more awareness about the condition with monthly events throughout this year.
“As a result of her Crohn’s, Jade has been hospitalised numerous times and has been required to take a variety of medications, some having awful side effects,” said Sapphira.
“She has learned to live with the flare-ups, pain and discomfort and has thrown herself into running the tearoom.
“Jade didn’t hesitate in taking Georgia on and welcomed her to the team as a fellow Crohnsie, as they affectionately refer to each other.
“The staff at the tearoom know that Crohn’s can be challenging but they are diligent in their work and they support each other.
“Over time Georgia and Jade have shared stories about their symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, surgery and the effects on their relationships and family.
“The stories are heartfelt, for example, Jade had symptoms since the age of two yet she wasn’t diagnosed until she was 21. During that time she suffered a great deal.
“I decided there needed to be more awareness and was dedicated to raising as much awareness through the tearoom as possible.”
Events planned throughout the year include a picnic and kite flying festival, golf tournament, a ‘Bring a Pot’ meal, a CV and Interview skills workshop and a knit a Christmas jumper session.
Georgia’s husband Aidan, a member of the RAF, is also taking on a challenge of walking 100-mile in four days with weighted backpacks, finishing at Victoria House Tearoom for a celebratory party.
To donate and help the Crohn’s and Colitis UK charity, visit: www.just
giving.com/page/fightagainst
crohns
“We want people to join in nationwide,” Sapphira said. “The events will be fun community activities that break isolation and loneliness and encourage talking.”
