A HEARTBROKEN mother has set up a dog care business to pursue her son's dreams and make sure his name lives on following his tragic death.
Toni Ilsley from Emmer Green has set up Charlie's Dog Place in memory of her 13-year-old son Charlie who passed away in December following a five-year battle with cancer.
Charlie was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, the most high-grade brain tumour found in children when he was eight years old.
He had undergone countless operations and even more hospital trips to help rid him of this cancer but he sadly passed away last year.
Charlie had been in Mexico for potentially life-saving treatment and had flown back home to England.
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Toni explained his death was "so unexpected", adding: "We got off the plane and he died."
She explained: "He went so quickly and it was a massive shock to all of us."
However she said: "He didn’t suffer which is the best thing."
Since Charlie's passing, his mum Toni has been working tirelessly to set up a business in memory of her son.
Charlie's Dog Place will offer dog boarding, dog daycare and dog walking services to locals in the area.
The business has been set up in Toni's garage which has been completely renovated in the last few months.
Charlie's Dog Place
Speaking about why she decided to set up the business, Toni explained her teenage son used to worry about what he was going to do when he was older.
She said he loved dogs and had his own pair, Eric and Ernie.
During his time in Mexico, he visited a ranch which also rescued dogs.
One day, Charlie turned round and said: "I’m going to look after dogs."
Toni said: "It stuck with me and I just knew I had to do it for him really.
"It’s something he wanted to do.
"He would have absolutely loved it."
She also explained she didn't want Charlie to be forgotten, adding: "It’s a good way to keep his memory alive."
Toni's garage has been converted and is now the home of the business.
Charlie's Dog Place
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Inside there is underfloor heating and there will also be a TV.
Toni said: "I want the dog to feel like they are in someone’s front room."
Earlier this year, she ran a competition where children drew their dogs and the winner won an Easter basket.
These pictures have been hung up on the wall inside the office.
On the other wall are Charlie's fingerprints and beads of courage from his treatments.
Charlie's Dog Place
Toni said there are "lots of treasures in there".
From May 3, Toni said her daughter Jess will be taking bookings ahead of the businesses opening on June 1.
Looking ahead to the opening, Toni said: "I’m really excited.
"It’s really emotional a lot of things take me by surprise.
"I cry every day still.
"I miss him so much.
"Certain things set you off and certain things don’t.
"I don’t know what I will be like on the opening day."
She added: "I have lost my best mate and he’s on my mind 24/7.
"It’s a massive hole and it’ll always be there."
Toni thinks Charlie would have loved the business but said the only trouble is he would have wanted to keep all of the dogs.
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