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We feel the best testament to the Youth Cancer Trust is from the many youngsters who have spent time with us.
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Please feel free to email your stories, photos and feedback so that we can post it here on our website. Email: admin@yct.org.uk
“I just want to start by saying, Thank you so much!
It’s been great not having to worry about reality.
And you guys are angels!
The go-karting, water sports and horse riding were all very great. Thank you again. You have made me realise that its time for me to live my life to the full and its time to have lots and lots of fun. And I just hope that the others young cancer guys are proud of themselves for what we have achieved and how much inspiration they set for others.
So thank you for much for this Fantastic, Chilled and exciting holiday.”
Lots of love Danielle
"Thank you so much for all you have done for us in the last past week.
I have had a wicked time.
It's been great to get away from home and hospitals. I really enjoyed everything we did.
I think out of everything we did I liked go-karting the best.
I hope to come back next year! Once again, Thanks."
Claire xxxx
My Week Diary
"Hi again! Here's my day by day account of the week... I hope you're ready!
Monday me and the bro arrived excited at another relaxing week in sunny b'mouth! The first day was good cos we al kinda knew each other + hit it off... a good week ahead! Jim was his usual bubbly self and got us kfc, always a fans favourite lol.
On Tuesday we went go-karting in Salisbury. It was a new track and the cars went up to 55 mph - AWESOME! In the evening we visited the cinema to s3 'the hills have eyes 2'! A thoughly 'BAD' film, but some gory moments to keep us awake..
On Wednesday we went skiing + bowling . Skiing was really fun, despite me + nicks violently falling over haha we couldn't turn too well! It was fun trying ... following this a night on the town. Nick, Shane, Sarah + myself hit the town in style and did not hold back... BRILLIANT night! Cheers guys.
Me and Shane paid for it this morning too!!! Finally today we to the new forest for a spot of horse riding. Nick's horse (named Rio) was very lazy - fitting! Thought as lazy Rio Ferdinand plays for Man Utd haha after numerous attempts to me from its back me + my horse Concho were firm friends by the end! We were taken to the forest by bev and id like to express my thanks as she was fantastic all day- cut from the same mould as Jim + Brenda. Also the BBQ was lovely. The way to young people's hearts is always thru there stomachs lol.
Finally (I mean it this time) Brenda has not been very well this week... We all know Brenda hates being ill, she is far to happy + hyper + has no time to be! So, a speedy recovery Brenda... get well soon.. Love u!
Thanks to everyone - Jim u have been great yet again! Keep up the karaoke!!"
Love Sam
"Hello it’s Laura here! I’m just writing to thank you both so much for a much needed holiday! The house was brilliant and it was great the way you both let us decide what we wanted to do, because when you go to most places and you are told what to do and when to do it.
You are both two of the most amazing people that I have ever met. To give up your life for ill children, and to give then a chance to relax and get away from all the stress at home, is just amazing. We can’t thank you enough!
We will make arrangements to come again either June or July. We might even have to take a week off school but never mind! He, he, he!
Anyway we are all missing you both loads. Don’t’ miss us too much; we hope to see you as soon as possible.
Love ya lots like my fave jelly tots”
Lots of FAT hugs from
Laura, Nicky, John and Mark! Liverpool (CHICS)
"I have just returned from a five-day holiday at the Youth Cancer Trust’s Holiday Home in Bournemouth. I feel refreshed and relaxed having recharged my batteries.
Over the last 12 months a dramatic chain of events has changed my life. This time last year I was starting the second year of my teaching career. I was living independently in Harrogate with a group of friends, following four years of hard slog at university. I had just said goodbye to my overdraft and had bought myself a new car. I felt that I had the rest of my life to look forward too.
Now at the age of twenty-four, I am back living with my parents having faced six months of aggressive chemotherapy and had my right leg amputated. I have a continual battle against a rare form of cancer.
This has been particularly difficult for me as I am a very independent, self-motivated and determined person. Lately, I have lost my independence, having to rely on family and friends for things others take for granted. I don’t want people to feel sorry for me but rather use their help to beat my disability and disease.
Brenda Clark and Jim Keating of the Youth Cancer Trust provided me with a unique opportunity, a holiday where I met young people who have faced or are facing cancer. It gave me the chance to talk to other people about their personal experience and as they say a problem shared is a problem halved. We were all able to bring a brother sister or a friend, which was a great boost to our confidence.
The holiday was the ideal retreat for young people each day was free from the pressures and stresses of everyday life we set our own agenda ensuring a fun-filled week. We were fed delicious food, visited many attractions across Bournemouth and ventured further a field on other days.
One activity the group particularly enjoyed was 10-pin bowling we challenged one another to win regardless of our technique! We visited the New Forest another day exploring the village of Burley and found ourselves sharing a picnic with the most amazing ponies. In the evening one of the group celebrated her birthday with a party where another night was spent watching a thriller at the cinema.
Brenda and Jim were the perfect hosts and I can truly say I am a much happier person since the holiday. I have gained valuable friendships and am learning to appreciate my new lifestyle instead of wishing for the one of the past to reappear. I would urge any young person with cancer to visit."
Emma Dixon
The Experience of a friend
"I have recently returned from a five-day break at Tracy Anne House and feel compelled to write about the incredible work done by the Youth Cancer Trust in Bournemouth.
I went to accompany my friend, Richard who was diagnosed with a Ewing's Sarcoma in his femur. This is an especially nasty and painful bone cancer and it was a horrendous shock when Richard was diagnosed with it close to his 21st birthday.
I was amazed by the positive way that Richard handled the news. Whilst no one would have blamed Richard if he had become angry, bitter or upset, he became quite the opposite by being jovial, proactive and strong.
I have since come to firmly believe that this is the most successful way to beat the blight of cancer. This was the way that the Y.C.T approached the holistic treatment of the youngsters in their care. It is easy to focus upon what is wrong with a person with cancer, or to mother and mollycoddle them, treating them as victims rather than individuals. Whilst it is important to have conferences about difficulty and shared experience, it is not the stuff that holidays are made of!
Brenda, Jim and Helen treat the youths as equals and give them the freedom to enjoy the holiday in the way most appealing to them. The youths in their care did share tales of woe and heartache, yet this came second to discussion about the day landing planes on a real 737 simulator, driving go-karts at break neck speeds, sailing a multi-million pound yacht and all of the other cool things that the YCT organises. With all these activities we wondered whether we were being trained up for MI5! At all times the emphasis is on positive experiences for the youngsters, concentrating upon what they can do rather than what they cannot. I believe that this positive approach to any difficulties whether you call it 'mind over matter', 'the power of prayer' or 'the power of positive thought’ is an essential component in a rapid and complete recovery.
The staff at Tracy Anne House are incredible and were always willing to 'go the extra mile' to make the holiday special for our group. I am a life long veggie but this posed no problem to the Trust and I had slap up cooked breakfasts every day. Jim would drive us anywhere we wanted, even after 11, when we got a craving for a curry! Helen stopped up late talking with us on the last night, yet we were still met by the same gorgeous smile that had greeted us on each of the other mornings, when we went down for breakfast six hours later. Whilst Brenda was on holiday during our stay, she is clearly a remarkable person; you only have to check out the picture of her sky diving for charity in the last issue to see that!
Tracy Anne House is in the perfect location for a ‘getaway’ holiday. A beautiful award winning beach is just a stone throw away whilst a twenty minute drive puts you right in the heart of the New Forest with its spectacular scenery and free roaming horses and wildlife. Whilst relaxing at the house you are able to; swim in indoor and outdoor pools, play
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Richard insists that his recovery was aided by the optimistic support given by his family and friends and I was impressed by the YCT’s willingness to note the contribution made by cancer patient's support group. I too was treated like royalty and received all the same perks and privileges offered to the people with cancer. Richard is a naturally confident and outgoing character but was a little daunted about going to a place where he didn't know anyone. The fact that he was able to bring a trusted friend made him more confident about going down and ultimately gave him access to the wealth of opportunities provided by the YCT.
I am a Newly Qualified Teacher and as such have spent the last five years at university accumulating debt. Richard is equally broke, having just completed his Masters in Information Processing and having been unable to work during his treatment. The YCT recognises the financial constraints upon people of our age and paid for absolutely everything, transport, food, accommodation, as well as all of the incredible activities mentioned earlier.
In short, the YCT is a fantastic way to touch the lives of people affected by cancer. It provides a safe, welcoming and positive environment for people to enjoy life and embrace the things that they are able to do. The staff are so committed to the care of all of their charges and makes a huge difference to the lives of young people. I can’t stress enough how highly I think of the efforts of the YCT and the selfless nature of its staff.
Richard and I were touched and moved by the knowledge that there are people who care so strongly about the well being of people in similar positions. So what are you waiting for? If you know someone who could benefit from a free and spectacular holiday and the opportunity to share experiences with people in a similar position to themselves, give the YCT a call. If your holiday is half as good as the one experienced by Richard and I you’ll leave with the same awe and amazement we have!"
"Hi ya Jim, Brenda and Helen
Thank you all for another amazing week at Tracy Ann House. I've had such a fantastic time meeting up with Nadia again and getting to know, Michael, Paul, Richard and Mark.
The day on the Sunseeker for Helen's birthday was fabulous. I felt like a film star with my (plastic beaker of) champagne! There are not many girls that get champagne on a luxury yacht for their birthday Helen you lucky thing! And cocktails to top the day off - very swish!
We were all sat on the beach with our blankets on the last night with long faces because none of us wanted to go home.
I swear you're trying to get us all trained up for MI5 on the sly - what with flying jumbo jets, racing cars and driving luxury yachts! All we need now is skydiving and deep sea diving and we've cracked it.
I really can't thank you all enough for what you do for us all. Each visit I've had has been so special in different ways and this latest one has to have been the best yet because everyone got on so well and were such an amazing group of people. We have such a lot to thank you for because we would never have met if it wasn't for you and now we've got what will probably be lifelong friendships.
I hope you enjoyed the flowers and the whisky- oh and Jim you were right about the fudge - it's gone down a treat at home!
Take care and God bless"
Love Vicky Walsh xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
“I would just like to say how nice it was to see you both again! with just having my operation everything was in the clouds for me and I thought oh no I have lost everything but when I came back to see the Youth Cancer Trust I was in the clear of everything and knew there would be a brighter day! thank you”
Little Louise from Scotland
“It’s been brilliant so far, the house is lovely and it’s very homely – you don’t feel homesick! Jim and Brenda, you are so lovely and friendly! You two are cool – you don’t act like a leader/boss, you’re like one of us! I’d love to come back again if you’ll have me!? By the way, if you need any promotional or charity work done – I’m your girl.”
Luv Daniella xx
“Cheers, coming here has helped shed some light on how much people care. The activities were more than what was expected. BRILLIANT!!!”
Ryan
“I agree with Ryan – BRILLIANT! Was so nice to arrive to such a comfortable, friendly environment. Jim and Brenda, you’re FAB! Thank you for everything x Very impressed – my first experience of YCT! Hope to have more. If there’s anything I can do to help you guys, just ask!”
Hannah xxxx
“I had a fantastic time, it’s been really nice to get away and relax. Thank you so much for the opportunity to stay.”
Thanx Caroline xxxx
“Thanks Jim and Brenda, have had an excellent time. The activities were amazing – it gave me a chance to try things I would never have been able to do. I really appreciated the freedom and independence that we have, it makes a change from hospital.”
Thanks Tony
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“JIM & BRENDA thank you so much for your genuine hospitality. The accommodation was good but your welcome made it great. Hope to come back many times more. P.S I won’t forget what we did this time.”
Luv Gaz Choudry
“First and foremost I would like to thank you ever so much for giving me and the rest of the group a chance to stay in your fantastic house while providing us with very tasty food every day. Secondly thanks for taking us out and organising all the activities, they were great! I had a really nice time and hope I can come again next year. Thanks again!”
Kirk
“It’s been great; I’ve loved every minute of it except the horse riding! It’s been good to have your own freedom. Thanx Brenda and Jim.”
Love Vicky
“It has been a super time, it has all been great. Thank you very much Jim and Brenda”.
Rob
“The week has been great. I really enjoyed myself thanks to Brenda and Jim who have been lovely. The watersports were the best, hope to come back one year”. Love Ashley
“Thanks for a great week away before having to go back to hospital. The weather has been good and I’ve enjoyed every day. Hope to see you again”.
Gary
“I have had such a brilliant time, we have all been made to feel very welcome so thank you very much Jim and Brenda you have been great and made it very enjoyable for us all. I hope to come back again”.
Love Katy
“I have had a great time, really good to catch up with old friends, food was great. Hope I get to come again”. Thanks again
Kevin
Darren Thomas (Dazzers the Birthday Boy) Age 25
One word sums up this special charity programme. FAB, all the activities are ace, pure fun, excitement and challenge. I loved it all. Jim and Brenda are the best thanks so much for the chance to come here. Brilliant!
Bryony Carr Age 25
Well what can I say about this extrafantastic place, home to home, with amazing people and meeting new friends. Thank you for making this like it is! I can definitely say for sure that I’ll be here next year - au revoir!
Bryony xxx
David Warren Age 23
This week has been fantastic! I’ve not had so much for ages and it was great to meet a load of people who are going through the same thing as me. I was so surprised by all the activities we’ve done and by all your amazing hard work. Please can I come back next year?
David xxx
Miss Lady Burns (Gillian Burns) Age 18
Thank you all for a great holiday! Brenda, Jim and Helen you are all superstars! The things you do mean so much and it’s just what I needed! Thank you for everything that you do, you’re amazing people! I hope to see you all again soon. Lots of love, hugs and kisses.
Gillian xxx
Fiona Bowman Age 25
In the words of someone famous who I don’t know “Friends are one family you make for yourselves” Thank you so much for everything you’ve given me – another fabulous week. Thanks to YCT I’ve made new friends, tried new activities and been able to relax and forget the trials and tribulations of everyday life. It’s like a home from home. Thank you for everything you’ve done, Words cannot express the feelings I have for you all. All the best with love,
Fiona.xxx
Stewart Peace age 16
Well I came here thinking me and Nathan would be sat in a corner doing nothing. But instead everybody got on with everyone else and we had a fantastic time, The weather was fantastic and the yacht ride was fab. Hopefully we will be able to stay at Tracy Ann House again and have another great time! Keep up the good work you guys!
Stew x
Sam Joseph Ramos Pears Age 17
Hi everybody, thanks for this great holiday. I hope I get an invite for another holiday as it was fantastic! Thanks a lot.
Sam
Jonnie Farmer age 14
Thanks very much for letting me stay at the house it was very welcoming to me and the activities were great. Thanks very much its great seeing my sister smile again. Thanks very much,
Jonnie
Alex Warsop age 14
Thanks so much again. It was even more fab than last time! It was great to have a week away before the reality of school!
Rachel Farmer age 18
Well what can I say? This is the 4th time I’ve been here at yet again you have given me a brilliant week! It has been a week away from normal stresses of hospital and ‘reality’ and I have had the best fun with horse riding, go-karting, watersports and a trip on a Sunseeker yacht (an experience in itself) I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the break you give us at Tracy Ann House is absolutely wonderful and I could never thank you enough. You are fab and I will come back again and again. You won’t get rid of me now! Love you loads
Rachel xxx
Richard Gurney age 22
Brenda/Helen – you are both angels! You are selfless in your desire to give us a good time. I don’t think you realise what a difference you make and how special you are. Thank you!
Paul Moohan age age 23
Once again I’ve been blown away by the exceptional things you’ve continued to do and the opportunities and positive holistic healing that you give to those in your charge. You are amazing people and deserve all the praise in the world for your selfless, caring nature. Thanks again for the wonderful week and all the best for the future.
Paul
Vinny age 23
Thank you to two of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met. Your work is most uplifting. You both are kind, generous and yet down to earth. I’ve intensely enjoyed my stay with you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity. “Happy with that!! Thank you both Brenda and Helen Take care. Vinny xxx
Stuart Smith age 24
Thank you Brenda and Helen for giving me a lovely break and a chance to do some activities that I wouldn’t normally get to do. With some new friends that I otherwise would never have probably met. Also thanks to Jim, sorry not to have met him and hope to do so soon! Keep up the great work.
Love Stu
Basat Ejaz age 21
One year ago while I sat in hospital I was dreaming about coming on holiday and being able to relax on the beach. Thank you Brenda and Helen for making that dream come true. Your hard work, kindness and dedication will never be forgotten.
Thanks Baz xxx
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Please feel free to email your stories, photos and feedback so that we can post it here on our website. Email: admin@yct.org.uk
