YORK COUPLE FIND HOPE IN SELLING TOYS FOR PARENTS TO BETTER CONNECT WITH CHILDREN AFTER THEIR OWN MISCARRIAGE DEVASTATION
An online toy shop owner from York has opened up about how she discovered and took on a shop in the wake of a miscarriage.
Ivy Rudd, who owns The Rocking Horse Toy Shop with her husband Mark, first found the original store during a difficult time in their life.
“The original shop was started by a mother and daughter duo as a tiny stall in a farmers market selling hand-made children’s name plaques,” said Ivy, “It eventually evolved into the lovely little toy shop in the Lake District which some of our loyal customers have visited while on holiday.
“We came across this beautiful and unique shop on our short break to the lakes as a family.”
Not long before this holiday, Ivy and her husband were devastated by the loss of their own child, though coming across the shop had a profound effect on their outlook.
“It is a common experience that happens to many of us, but not many people in society talk about this side of the baby and parenthood,” Ivy said, “Miscarriages are often dark and trying times, and in our darkest hours, my husband and I saw this opportunity to continue a legacy that brings joy and delight to many families.
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Description automatically generated”We also thought this would help us heal and move forward. The potential was there and what this shop stood for deserves attention from the whole nation. Therefore, we decided to take it on.”
While the physical shop had to be closed, Ivy and her husband are determined to turn this beloved local shop into a nationwide community for parents and grandparents to find good quality products that are sourced sustainably.
“Traditional toys allow for precious bonding time between a child and their parent,” Ivy said, “These toys improve the imagination and really develop children’s emotional intelligence rather than just giving them a device and leaving them to play with it.
“Furthermore, every purchase supports miscarriage charities; to remind ourselves that future parents are still hoping and looking for support – just as we were.”
