A cancer patient who enjoyed a week-long stay in a charity-funded holiday home has described what it meant to her and her family.
Stephanie Czarbobaj, stayed at Eve’s Place, a static caravan located at Parkdean Resorts’ Manor Park in Hunstanton last month and has spoken of how much the holiday meant to her and her family on the second anniversary of the holiday home being opened.
Two charities teamed up in 2022 to purchase the caravan to provide cancer patients and their families with the space needed to relieve the stress and aid the recuperation of those experiencing the effects of cancer and its treatment.
The caravan, which has all mod-cons, was purchased with a donation left in the will of Eve Morrison with a top-up grant from the Pink Ribbon Foundation by ‘Something to Look Forward To’.
It is named Eve’s Place after Ms Morrison, who was a prodigious supporter of the Pink Ribbon Foundation, a grant-making trust that funds projects and provides financial support to UK charities that relieve the needs of people suffering from or who have been affected by breast cancer.
‘Something to Look Forward To’ is a charity that provides a comprehensive website where people with cancer and their families can access a variety of free ‘gifts’ donated by companies and individuals.
These include free breaks in holiday cottages, restaurant meals, a day at the races, hotel stays, theatre tickets, beauty treatments and tickets for attractions.
The charity was founded by Andy and Fiona Coldron and their family to improve the lives of thousands of other families across the UK.
Fiona, who died in 2021, suffered from breast cancer and wanted to do something to help others in her situation having realised treats like meals out and a night in a hotel helped with the relentless slog of treatment and hospital visits.
Eve’s Place welcomes individuals and families affected by cancer for a free, weeklong, holiday. The caravan provides a safe haven that allows families and friends to spend time together while undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.
Lisa Allen from the Pink Ribbon Foundation said: “Everyone at the Pink Ribbon Foundation is delighted with the impact that Eve’s Place has made on the breast cancer community over the last two years.
“Eve Morrison loved her holidays which gave her a focus each year as she cared for her second husband, and she would be delighted to know that other families facing difficulties will benefit from a much-needed break to make memories and gain renewed strength.
“A cancer diagnosis has a huge effect on both family and friendship groups, and any opportunity to have a change of scenery, away from treatment and hospital can be just the boost that is needed to provide an opportunity to reconnect and gather strength.
“We are big supporters of the work of ‘Something To Look Forward To’ and know that they make a huge difference to many lives touched by cancer and we are happy that so many families will continue to enjoy a caravan holiday in this beautiful part of the UK."
Stephanie and her family spent a week at Eve’s Place Caravan in May. She said: “My parents stayed with me, and my brother and sister came to visit us, and our jaws hit the floor.
“What a lovely gesture and heart-warming thing to provide to us. My breast cancer diagnosis came as such a frightful surprise and after four months of chemotherapy, and an operation to reconstruct my breast, it was calming to potter around with peace of mind and feed the birds with my dad. I was overwhelmed and humbled that we could receive such a kind gesture.
“It’s a breath of fresh air to have the space and read the guestbook with entries from other people in a similar situation to mine.
“All guests also leave a little object personal to them, so we can leave a piece of us at Eve’s Place and pass on the love to the next person. Eve’s place planted a seed that will grow and bloom in our hearts for many years to come.”
Andy Coldron, co-founding director of ‘Something To Look Forward’, said: “We are honoured to partner with the Pink Ribbon Foundation. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer, ensuring they have the opportunity to reconnect with their loved ones and celebrate life’s precious moments.”
The caravan is open for application from people affected by breast cancer from the point of diagnosis up to one year after their last active treatment or major surgery. Applications can be made at: https://somethingtolookforwardto.org.uk/
If local businesses would like to donate a gift or experience to give families ‘something to look forward to’ whilst on their holiday in Hunstanton, get in touch via the ‘Something to Look Forward To’ website above.