Annual Review 2016
21 December 2016
In 2016, thanks to our amazing supporters, over 480 people living with cancer enjoyed a respite opportunity with a total of almost 2,800 respite days – our biggest number of respite days EVER!
Each respite day means that someone living with cancer is having a day away from that reality; whether they are on a boat or a bicycle, out on a lake, up a mountain or down by the sea, it’s a day of fresh air, fun, togetherness; it’s a day of creating memories, recharging batteries, moving forwards and regaining the strength to carry on in the daily battle that is living with cancer.
Below is a very small sample of the amazing feedback from and photos of the people we have helped this year, showing just what a difference we are making to their lives.
“To be able to actually have a honeymoon with my new wife which was also our first holiday together was wonderful … to take us away from the continual treadmill of appointments, tests and treatment was such a welcome tonic.” Pete
“Being active and outdoors, cycling, walking, climbing etc has brought us closer together as a family and we forgot about everything negative and just had the best time.” Kayleigh
“For the first time in a few months both my daughter and husband smiled and laughed. To see them happy means the world. After all the cancer treatment my daughter has been through to see her relaxed and enjoying herself was so special.” Mother of Taylor (Age 14)
“It made me happy to have some fun time with my mummy as she has been so poorly.” Lily (Age 7)
“It’s not easy to carry on living when faced with a cancer diagnosis but our break enabled me to leave ‘cancer’ at home and enjoy what really matters…my gorgeous family. I’d like to say a huge thank you as I found my smile again.” Janine
“As a young mother to a two and a four year old, diagnosed with a terminal illness, this break was exactly what we needed to get connected as a family again and enjoy being together.” Gillian
“The day was really peaceful and gave us a moment to stop and take time away from the continuing hospital appointments we face week to week.” Family of Alfie (Age 1)
“You make dreams possible.” Graham
“It felt nice to get a break from reality and to have a weekend to be a normal teenager again; it gave all of us a sense of freedom.” Eme age 15
“A relaxing time with the family, lots of fresh air, plenty of options to help relax and make the most of our time. We were able to enjoy each other’s company and make lasting memories. Thank you.” Malcolm
“My confidence grew and I enjoyed the independence that I felt for the first time in a long while.” Kyle (Age 15)
“I’ve never seen so many smiles from my children. Happy, happy, happy!” Debbie
“I was told by my husband that I had a big grin on my face all day.” Jenny
“A complete break, with no outside concerns, just so lovely to be together. Both children and grown-ups really enjoyed the break from the treadmill that is the horrible cancer journey.” Mother of Joseph (Age 8)
“After a year of treatment for my daughter and a lot of overnight stays in hospital it was lovely to spend some time together as a family. It was a break that we all needed and allowed us to do those normal things that we have sacrificed.” Mother of Molly (Age 10)
Jackie
“4 Cancer made us, as a family, feel like we mattered, that people understood what we were going through, we don’t feel as alone.” Sue
“I feel alive again.” Chris
Next year we’d like to help even more families and individuals like these. So why not get involved and get in touch today to find out how you can help!
