John Lewis High Wycombe partnership transforms Merryfields

Emily Blyth, an interior designer at John Lewis High Wycombe, was awarded the John Lewis Golden Jubilee Trust, allowing her to spend six months on a paid secondment at her chosen charity, Action for Children.

During this time, she revamped and redecorated 14 residential rooms and the sensory room at Merryfields, a residential service for children with disabilities, which is part of the nationwide charity.

The transformation in action (Image: Supplied)

Ms Blyth, who describes herself as a 'creative at heart', collaborated with companies from the area, including Dulux High Wycombe, which donated £4,000 worth of paint and painting tools.

She also arranged for employees of Herbalife to help paint the rooms and used her creative skills to design murals for the children.

Ms Blyth said: "I currently work for John Lewis in High Wycombe as a home design stylist; I love my job as an interior designer bringing joy to customers by helping them create their dream home.

Before (top right) and after the transformation of one of the bedrooms (Image: Supplied)

"I am very lucky to have a job which is also my hobby and passion."

The John Lewis Golden Jubilee Trust offers the opportunity to work with a charity for up to six months and selects around 40 applicants yearly.

After volunteering through work to help paint Merryfields' centre facilities, Ms Blyth wants to get more involved with Action for Children.

A number of the bedroom transformations alongside the sensory room (bottom right) (Image: Supplied)

She said: "I have an appreciation for all the hard work and amazing care the staff at Merryfield’s give to both the children and their families.

"Growing up with my brother James who has autism, I have some insight into the struggles this brings to both the individual and their family and how much of a difference respite makes."