News: Jacqui's decorations help to lift spirits
Local businesswoman Jacqui Saxon decked the halls at the world famous Great Ormond St Children's Hospital this week for its annual Christmas party.
Jacqui is one of Europe's leading balloon artists and runs The Ultimate Balloon Company at RIDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre in Rotherham, providing décor for weddings, parties and corporate events.
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is an international centre of excellence in child healthcare with over 220,000 patient visits every year. Its Christmas parties provide festive cheer for ill children, many of whom will be unable to spend Christmas at home. Held this year at the Royal National Hotel in London, the "Snow Ball" was attended by the big man himself, Father Christmas plus X Factor finalists, TV stars and musicians.
Jacqui's expertise was called upon as the hospital required no ordinary party décor. Due to allergy concerns for some of the youngsters, only non-latex balloons could be used and the décor had to survive four separate parties over two days. As some children cannot leave the hospital they would not have been able to attend the parties, so experts made the décor moveable so the staff and volunteers could "take the party to the children" afterwards.
Jacqui Saxon, owner of The Ultimate Balloon Company was delighted that she had been chosen for the event. She said: "This ranks alongside providing décor for the Rolling Stones and Tina Turner. As the mother of two sons I can empathise with the parents of the sick children, and it's a privilege to bring some happiness to the children at an anxious time."
After 20 years working in the Inland Revenue, Jacqui opted for a complete change of career and set up her own business with the aim of creating special events for special people at special times in their life and career.
It hasn't always been party time though, it took Jacqui two years and seven exams (theoretical and practical) to achieve The Certificate in Balloon Artistry, but it has paid off, with the high profile contracts to decorate events for companies such as Vodafone, Boots, Mercedes, The Royal Armouries.
The Ultimate Balloon Company website
Images: GOSH / Ultimate Balloon Company / Facebook
Jacqui is one of Europe's leading balloon artists and runs The Ultimate Balloon Company at RIDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre in Rotherham, providing décor for weddings, parties and corporate events.
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is an international centre of excellence in child healthcare with over 220,000 patient visits every year. Its Christmas parties provide festive cheer for ill children, many of whom will be unable to spend Christmas at home. Held this year at the Royal National Hotel in London, the "Snow Ball" was attended by the big man himself, Father Christmas plus X Factor finalists, TV stars and musicians.
Jacqui's expertise was called upon as the hospital required no ordinary party décor. Due to allergy concerns for some of the youngsters, only non-latex balloons could be used and the décor had to survive four separate parties over two days. As some children cannot leave the hospital they would not have been able to attend the parties, so experts made the décor moveable so the staff and volunteers could "take the party to the children" afterwards.
Jacqui Saxon, owner of The Ultimate Balloon Company was delighted that she had been chosen for the event. She said: "This ranks alongside providing décor for the Rolling Stones and Tina Turner. As the mother of two sons I can empathise with the parents of the sick children, and it's a privilege to bring some happiness to the children at an anxious time."
It hasn't always been party time though, it took Jacqui two years and seven exams (theoretical and practical) to achieve The Certificate in Balloon Artistry, but it has paid off, with the high profile contracts to decorate events for companies such as Vodafone, Boots, Mercedes, The Royal Armouries.
The Ultimate Balloon Company website
Images: GOSH / Ultimate Balloon Company / Facebook
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