A double personal tragedy left Medway mum Kelly Ward at an all-time low, sobbing all day at home and not wanting to go out.

Her younger brother, who had a chronic history of mental ill-health took his own life, and then Coco –her Yorksire terrier dog of 15 years, which she describes as her "baby" – died.

Consumed with grief, she sought medical help, but nothing eased the pain of losing two loved ones within 18 months.

And then nine weeks ago Kelly, 47, a former wedding and events planner, started to take up making balloon garlands as "more of a hobby".

Kelly's Balloons was formed and she now works from the Wigmore home she shares with husband Peter, 41, and 10-year-old son Calum.

Kelly, of Lime Court, said: "It just took off immediately. I advertised on Facebook and was inundated with inquiries and I wasn't even doing it to make money. I was fed up just sitting at home getting upset and I wasn't sleeping at night. I went to the doctor but that didn't help. I was just told to pick up a leaflet on the way out. I have now been told that I was in shock."

Kelly, who has also worked for NatWest bank and as a teaching assistant at a special school, said: "Starting up my little business was like a miracle for me. I realised I had to keep busy.

"It's also a psychological boost. Creating my balloons to help people celebrate makes me happy as well as my customers."

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