Inspired by the courage and tremendous positive spirit of Sara Hoburn, Saras Hope Foundation was formed at the end of June 2007. Family and friends plan to raise funds to buy a plot of land and build a holiday ´retreat´ on the beautiful island of Crete for young cancer patients in the UK and their families. Click here to see why we chose crete.
Once the retreat is built, Sara´s parents Ged and Julie Hoburn plan to relocate to Crete and provide 24 hr care for the children and their families. They will fund their own home by selling their own apartment in Malame and have a home built next to the holiday retreat so they can be on hand to provide care and assistance when required.
It is our aim to give the children, teenagers and their families a break from the long hospital stays, traumatic medical procedures and cancer related treatments (e.g. chemotherapy and radiotherapy).
From personal experience, we realise that when a child is diagnosed with a life threatening illness the family often face financial hardship, with parents having to take time off work (or in some cases give up work altogether) to stay in hospital with their child. We therefore plan to arrange and pay for all flights for the family, help arrange appropriate travel insurance, transport the family from the airport and provide 24 hr practical and emotional support while the family stay in the retreat.
We will clean, cook, do the laundry and maintain the swimming pool, gardens and play areas.
The holiday will be set at the pace and well being of the child. The family can relax by the pool and garden ⁄ play area for the week or for the more energetic the Foundation will arrange horse riding, watersports, mountain biking, Greek dancing nights, boat trips, mountain walks, visits to historical sites and a day on the beach.
Initially we plan to raise £300,000 to £350,000 to buy a piece of land and have a purpose built villa constructed. We aim to liase with young cancer patients and their families throughout the UK and include their views in the design and the facilities of the retreat.
The retreat will be built in an appropriate location i.e. in close proximately to a hospital and airport, be in a peaceful setting but also close to amenities and a beach resort. The villa will have the facilities to give the child and family a fantastic break and quality time together in a stress free environment.
We plan to include the following:
A swimming pool and a small pool ⁄ Jacuzzi.
A play and park area (swings, slide, Little Tykes outdoor equipment).
A BBQ area and an outdoor eating area.
An outdoor covered sports area consisting of a pool and table tennis tables.
Internet access ⁄ play stations and various toys ⁄ books for children of all ages.
A TV room with Dvd ⁄ video.
Gardens with grapevines, olive, lemon and orange trees.
The foundation will liase with specialist Children´s cancer wards throughout the UK and will be guided by referrals from Consultants and Sargent and McMillan care workers. The decision of who is well enough and would benefit most from the break will be ultimately in the hands of the medical staff.
A small team from Saras Hope Foundation will arrange the holiday from the UK and take the trauma of arranging time away from the family.
Ged and Julie Hoburn (Sara´s parents)
Registered Charity No 1123099 - Copyright 2007 www.sarashopefoundation.co.uk | Created by kbwebdesign.co.uk
