Two Southampton based families whose child is affected by the life limiting illness, Cystic Fibrosis are set to enjoy a respite holiday this summer thanks to the Barker-Mill Foundation (BMF).
£2,000 has been gifted by the Foundation to CF Dream Holidays, a national charity who fund and arrange respite breaks for the children and their families, to help towards their summer holidays.
CF Dream Holiday’s was founded by Elaine Tozer in 1994, to help under privileged families who have a child with Cystic Fibrosis take a respite break. Since the charity’s inception they have grown rapidly and now help around 200 families each year.
The first family set to take their holiday is a single parent family of an eight-year-old boy who is required to spend time in hospital every three months for treatment, and has a strict daily routine of physiotherapy and medication.
The second family also from Southampton has spent a large part of this year in hospital as their two-year-old needed the extra support and treatment.
Both families will get to choose their holiday, whether it be a British holiday resort, a quiet country or seaside cottage, or an activity holiday. The choice is up to the family and dependent on the severity of the child’s health.
Darren Faulkner, Fundraiser at CF Dream Holiday’s has thanked BMF for their generosity. Darren said: “The families we help really do need the break and we ensure the whole holiday is relaxing and comfortable from the organising to the holiday itself.
“Without donations from organisations like the BMF it would be difficult to help the amount of families we do, we’d like to thank the BMF for their donation and support.
“A respite holiday helps the family relax, and return refreshed and able to deal with the daily stresses of living with Cystic Fibrosis. It has a positive effect on the general health of a child, whether it be the sea air helping their lungs, a fun filled family holiday or just a relaxing week to help clear the stress. The benefits of a break are regarded by the Hospital as a vital part of the child’s treatment.”
Tim Jobling speaks of the Foundation’s joy of supporting the charity: “We’re pleased to be sending two Hampshire families on a well-deserved break. Relaxing is important for everyone but even more so when every day is filled with hospital visits and extensive care.
“We hope the families enjoy their breaks, wherever they may be! A great initiative for an important cause.”
To find out more about CF Dream Holidays or to make a donation please visit: http://www.cfdreamholidays.co.uk/