A mother and daughter who have faced and overcome tough personal challenges, are celebrating the launch of their own online business.
Amanda Drake-Worth, who lives in Crownhill and daughter Amy Yuksel from Manadon Park, launched the Bebek Boutique baby business in July.
They were inspired to launch the business by the birth of Amy’s son Alexander in May – and behind their decision is an incredible story of courage and determination.
Amy was born in 1992 with bilateral cleft lip and palate. At the time Amanda and her then husband Eddie had no idea that Amy was to be born with a cleft and it was a massive shock to both of them.
Amanda said:
“Amy had her first operation on her cleft lip at two months, closely followed by two more operations before she was 10 months old. It was a very difficult time and we both missed Amy’s cleft smile but were so pleased to see that she would now be able to start to eat solids easier and also enjoy her bottles with the special teats.
“Unfortunately when Amy was five, Eddie and I became separated and I was then faced with taking Amy through countless operations away from home in Bristol.
“It certainly wasn’t easy as I have a permanent disability due to a motorbike accident, however I was determined that Amy received the best medical care and would do anything to ensure this happened.”
Despite her condition, by the age of five Amy was top in her class for English, needing no speech therapy.
Amanda continued:
“I remember Amy’s worst operation was when she was 11 years old and she ended up in the High Dependency Unit at Bristol Children’s Hospital. It also meant she couldn’t eat properly for three weeks.
“Following this operation Amy said she had had enough due to the pain she had endured and it took me 12 months to encourage her to have further treatment as she had come this far and that she was over the worst operation. It was such a difficult time as being Amy’s mother it broke my heart to see her so very stressed and upset.
“With gentle encouragement and support Amy then continued with her treatment up until 2015 when unfortunately I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was if my whole world had collapsed as not only did I have our young son Aaron aged 12 years, my loving husband Marc but also my other children and grandchildren to worry about too.
“I also knew that Amy’s forthcoming jaw operation would be coming up very shortly in Bristol and that this is the operation which would transform her smile forever together with building her confidence.
“I certainly was determined not to let the cancer get in the way of taking my daughter through her cleft journey. It was at this point that with the support of my wonderful family and friends that I managed to pull through the cancer and was able to support Amy.”
Amy’s operation was a massive success and she then went on to have rhinoplasty on her nose 18 months later. The results were incredible and Amy’s confidence has grown considerably.
“I would like to thank all the surgeons and NHS staff for their dedication in supporting Amy,”
added Amanda.
“Amy’s journey was over 26 years, with an incredible amount of orthodontic work in between. Never did I imagine that she would have the incredible courage, determination and love of life that would result in her now being not only absolutely gorgeous, but she also has an adorable heart. She has not let her cleft ‘define her as a person’ – Amy’s words – but instead has become the wonderful daughter, wife and mother whom she is today.”
Amy married her husband Kursat four years ago and Amanda had special praise for the devotion and love he has shown to her daughter. She also thanked her husband Marc for his support to both of them.
“Amy and Kursat now have a beautiful bouncing baby boy Alexander who is almost 12 weeks old. To say he is the icing on the cake is an understatement as he is already bringing so much joy and happiness to their lives.
“I am pleased to say that Amy’s cleft journey is now over and she has also become a volunteer for Operation Smile UK raising awareness and funds for gorgeous cleft families worldwide working alongside me as a Community Ambassador.”
Explaining the decision to launch Bebek (which means baby in Turkish) Amanda said:
“Alexander has inspired us as mother and daughter to establish this beautiful business as he looks so adorable with his spiky hair and wide smile, dressed in the most adorable outfits.
“We would love so much for parents throughout the UK and worldwide to value our devoted service to our customers and to feel the joy and sheer delight of our gorgeous products for their children.
“Our vision is to inspire other parents throughout the UK and globally too that despite challenges for both of us there is happiness that can be found working at home.”
For more information visit bebekboutique.co.uk
