Debbie Smith has run Twisted Cakes on Kings Road in Harrogate for 3 years.  She is pregnant and  has 3 children, her 15 year old son, Sam, has chronic asthma. Last year Debbie lost a baby boy, Theo, when he was only 27 days old to whooping cough. Debbie told the Stray Ferret that the coronavirus has left her terrified. Debbie acted before any government announcement and took the decision to pull her children out of school on Monday.  

“I understand that some people think I’m over-reacting but I’ve already lost one son already and people don’t understand the panic you feel when you think you might lose another and I’m also pregnant”  

Like many people struggling to cope in this crisis, Debbie can’t afford to stay at home with her children. She runs her business alone, is self-employed and her family is dependent on her:  

“I can’t stay at home. I have to support the children by working. If I don’t put keep my business going no one is going to feed my children if I don’t”.  

Her cupcake shop has seen a dramatic 90% fall in business –all but one order remains. Her shop has stayed open but she’s had no customers.  

Debbie, though, hasn’t given up. She has launched a new delivery service and has produced a cupcake home decorating kit to entertain children who will be off school and bored. She is prepared to deliver the boxes for free.  

She has welcomed news that she might get some financial support but isn’t sure how or when she’ll receive it. She thought it might be in April. 

“We just have to wait until the money comes to us. I just don’t know how we’re going to apply for it. I heard it would be through the local council but I’m not sure.”  

For information about how to get in touch with Debbie at Twisted Cakes click here

The Stray Ferret wants to hear your story of how the coronavirus is impacting your business