Our Families
1st Family to visit Sara’s Retreat – 14th – 21st June 2011
Pictured below are a selection of photos from Laura Hunter and Mum Anne’s visit to Sara’s Retreat.
Laura’s mum Anne had this message to say to our supporters:
‘Thank you to SarasHope Foundation and to all you fabulous people who are busy fundraising. My daughter Laura and I have just landed back in grey wet England after the most wonderful week staying at Saras Retreat in Crete. This is the most amazing thing for families like ours and was made all the more special because of Julie and Ged and their lovely family, Mark and Crazy Fayzey. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts your efforts are truly being appreciated xx”.
2nd Family to visit Sara’s Retreat – 12th – 19th July 2011
Lewis was diagnosed with Leukaemia on 20th November 2006, he is in remission after finishing 3 years of chemotherapy treatment and is steadily returning to full health. Mum Kirsty, Dad Michael and little brother Josh enjoyed all the activities on the island.
Lewis and his family recently returned from a wonderful break at Sara’s Retreat. Founder
of the charity Ged Hoburn says “they really enjoyed themselves and loved being in the swimming pool, they went to Chania for a boat trip, had a shot on a pedalo on Lake Kournas, attended a Greek Dancing night at Apetra in the mountains and had meals out in various restaurants. They have been made so welcome by the locals”.
Lewis and his family recently returned from a wonderful break at Sara’s Retreat. Founder
of the charity Ged Hoburn says “they really enjoyed themselves and loved being in the swimming pool, they went to Chania for a boat trip, had a shot on a pedalo on Lake Kournas, attended a Greek Dancing night at Apetra in the mountains and had meals out in various restaurants. They have been made so welcome by the locals”.
3rd Family to visit Sara’s Retreat – 19th – 26th July 2011
Joel is 16 he was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 13. He had the tumour removed a couple of weeks after being diagnosed but has been left with medical problems. He is stable now but has had a lot to contend with such as diabetes and has problems with his left foot due to a weakness to his left side after surgery. Mum Justine, Dad Brian and sister Megan loved their time at Sara’s Retreat, Dad Brian has already started fundraising for us by getting onto a horse which he hasn’t done in years, the blonde wig and false boobs went down a treat with his pals at their motorcycle club!
This is what Joel had to say about Sara’s Retreat…………………….
After leaving hospital I never thought I’d be able to go on holiday abroad but with the help of Saras Hope Foundation I did.
I cannot really describe in words how much of a fantastic time I’ve had on holiday from meeting the lovely greek people who were all so kind to us and visiting places like Chania or going to the beautiful lake Kornas.
Crete is such a beautiful place and the Villa has a brilliant location with stunning views over the mountains.
I loved every minute of the holiday. Massive thank-you to Ged and Julie.
4th Family to visit Sara’s Retreat - 26th July 2011 – 2nd August 2011
Lily Slater is 7 she was diagnosed on 9th August 2007 when she was 3, she has a twin sister Willow and younger sister Poppy 3. She had an 8 hour operation on 10th August 2007. She went through Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. She will be deemed cured in August 2012. The surgery has left her with short term memory loss and balance/co-ordination issues. Mum Shirley and Dad Glyn enjoyed their experience at Sara’s Retreat and have become warm supporters of the charity, joining us at Sara’s Walk of Hope and family fun day on 14th August.
On returning to the UK, they have raised the awareness of the charity by contacting their local newspaper and having an article wrote on their experience at Sara’s Retreat. Shirley had this to say………
Ged and Julie are totally brilliant and in such a short space of time have made friends
Ged and Julie are totally brilliant and in such a short space of time have made friends
and contacts throughout Crete, with local families and organisations offering a variety of events, meals and more to the families all free of charge. We ate free, went on an organised tour of Chania with a wonderful guide who showed us the sights, went to a Greek night, on a boat trip and more … the girls even had a drawing done of them, all free of charge.
5th Family to visit Sara’s Retreat – 9th -16th August 2011
Samantha Anderson (20) with son Jayden(2). Sam was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma
(bone cancer in shoulder) when she was 19. She had chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and skin grafting. She has been off treatment for 8 months and is now in remission – she goes for regular check–ups. Her last holiday was 5 years ago. When receiving treatment Sam said the worst thing for her was that she couldn’t look after her son. She wrote these words in the Guest Book after her stay at Sara’s Retreat.
“Me and Jayden have had a brilliant time – thanks to you ! The villas are beautiful. It`s amazing what you`s are doing out here and Sara would be so proud. I feel very privileged to have met such wonderful people and will be taking home some great memories ” – Samantha.
6th Family to visit Sara’s Retreat – 30th August 2011 – 6th September
Erin Askew is 10, she was just 5 when diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
She had 2+ years of chemotherapy, steroids and numerous lumbar punctures. She was in a wheelchair due to the pain caused by this weekly treatment. She has been off treatment for 2 years & 9 months. Erin is still struggling to lose weight which was gained when on steroids, she has lost all her confidence and had a bad reaction to the drugs. Mum Mary, Dad Shaun and sister Megan (7) are looking forward to some family time together.
She had 2+ years of chemotherapy, steroids and numerous lumbar punctures. She was in a wheelchair due to the pain caused by this weekly treatment. She has been off treatment for 2 years & 9 months. Erin is still struggling to lose weight which was gained when on steroids, she has lost all her confidence and had a bad reaction to the drugs. Mum Mary, Dad Shaun and sister Megan (7) are looking forward to some family time together.
Erin had this to say on her last morning at Sara’s Retreat……………
My stay at Crete has been AMAZING!!!!! I could not want or hope for a better holiday!
My best thing here has been absolutely everything and I’m sure the next family to
come should agree. The only thing I don’t want to do is go back home!!!!
Erin
xx
come should agree. The only thing I don’t want to do is go back home!!!!
Erin
xx
(Erin’s Mum Mary had this to say) – we had an amazing time, thanks to everyone involved who made it happen, great memories to treasure it was great hearing the girls laughing so much, thanks again xx
7th Family to visit Sara’s Retreat – 30th August 2011 – 6th September 2011.
Brandon Cairns is 7 he was diagnosed with lymphoma at the age of 6. He has had to undergo intense doses of chemotherapy but has been very brave throughout his treatment.
Brandon is in remission now but has had a tough time, missing school, friends and family due to long hospital stays. Brandon’s dad died on 1st May this year (after feeling poorly and 10 weeks of tests it was revealed he had cancer). They could never afford a family holiday but were thinking about booking one this year until Brandon’s daddy died. Mum Natalie, grandmother Margaret, brother Ryan (11) and sister Ebony (5) enjoyed their stay and had this to say about their experience……
The most wonderful experience of our lives by Natalie Cairns on Tuesday, 06 September 2011.
Well it is our last day in a very special place, with very special people. We have had an amazing time and it has been lovely to see the kids smiling, laughing and growing in confidence. Ged, Julie, Mark and Faye, you have given us so may memories to take home with us, and I truly thank you for letting us be part of your family. Not only have I seen the kids grow, I have also done a lot of ‘firsts’…held a lizard, seen shooting stars, watched both the sunset and sunrise, sang on the karaoke. You have helped lift a dark cloud from above us, and we really don’t want to go home. Thank you so much for the experience, friendship and the beautiful scenery, we will miss you all so much!!!! xxxxxxxxx Sara woud be so proud of you all xxxxxx Saras Hope Foundation is such a special charity and she shines on through this, but also your memories
xxxxxxx
Well it is our last day in a very special place, with very special people. We have had an amazing time and it has been lovely to see the kids smiling, laughing and growing in confidence. Ged, Julie, Mark and Faye, you have given us so may memories to take home with us, and I truly thank you for letting us be part of your family. Not only have I seen the kids grow, I have also done a lot of ‘firsts’…held a lizard, seen shooting stars, watched both the sunset and sunrise, sang on the karaoke. You have helped lift a dark cloud from above us, and we really don’t want to go home. Thank you so much for the experience, friendship and the beautiful scenery, we will miss you all so much!!!! xxxxxxxxx Sara woud be so proud of you all xxxxxx Saras Hope Foundation is such a special charity and she shines on through this, but also your memories
xxxxxxx
These are messages (in their own words) from our special guests Brandon (aged 7 ) and Ebony (aged 4) who have been staying with us at Sara`s Retreat.
I loved it here because the view was nice. The pool and restaurants were lovely .
I loved Jumbo the toy shop in Chania andbeing brave and going headfirst down the slide on the pedalo into the Lake .The villa was awesome, the garden was cool and I loved the bbq. – Brandon
I loved this place because there was fish in the sea and I learned to swim and had fun in
the pool. I liked the car and Julie Ged and Faye showing us around.
Faye is my best friend here – I liked the X Factor night and sang Mama Mia with my mum and Julie. The bestest thing is holding the rabbit because she is soft and beautiful. – Ebony aged 4
