About me
I'm Amber, I live in Oxfordshire with my husband Chris and our dog Ruby. In June 2023, I was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Kings Birthday Honours for my services to the community.
After my sister Hannah passed away in 2017 from battling addiction and homelessness. I started up Amber Lights in Oxford in 2019 to give back to Homeless Oxfordshire who supported her during her time of need.
What started off as selling creative Oxford designed tote bags named Hann Bags to raise funds for Homeless Oxfordshire has grown into more than I could have imagined.
With a Skyline and Pawsome clothing range, guesting on Sober Daves podcast and The Self Development Coach (Johnny Lawrence) podcast and creating awareness of homelessness with multiple fundraisers and media pieces. Alongside sharing my story of my sisters addiction.
Going further, I decided to train as a coaching focusing on helping women affected by a loved ones addiction. I graduated in May 2024 with an accredited diploma in Coaching and Positive Psychology taught by Andy Ramage and the Arete Way team
I hope by now sharing my story, it will help others affected by a loved ones addiction feel less alone.
About Hannah
Hannah never failed to make me laugh and was always there when I was struggling either with the biggest of hugs or with one of her one hit singing wonders. Hannah had a wonderful caring personality and would often take people under her wing.
In late 2015 through to 2017, Hannah’s struggles with alcohol addiction saw her seek the help of multiple homeless charities within Oxfordshire including Homeless Oxfordshire. During this time, she sought comfort from the services they provided and began to rebuild her life. Hannah passed away in 2017.
Her strength and determination to build herself back up after losing everything, battling addiction and coping on the streets is something I will always be in awe of.
Hannah was the ultimate tonic to your life and I was honoured to have her as my big sister.
Why Amber Lights?
The name Amber Lights in Oxford was chosen as a link to shining a light on homelessness and addiction in Oxford.
In Hannah’s memory, the Oxford Skyline and Pawsome clothing range was set up to support Homeless Oxfordshire and the fantastic work they do. Homeless Oxfordshire are the largest supported accommodation provider for homeless people in Oxfordshire. Each night they accommodate over 200 people. Alongside this, they provide day services, hot food, clothing, toiletries and welfare facilities to over 550 individuals who access their services throughout the year.
Both the Skyline and Pawsome clothing give back to Homeless Oxfordshire and supports both their clients and their dogs.
