The Sara's Hope Foundation was started by Ged and Julie Hoburn after they tragically lost their 16 year old daughter, Sara, to cancer. Inspired by Sara's bravery and positive attitude, the foundation aims to successfully manage a holiday retreat in Crete offering respite for children and young people with cancer and their families. Ged and Julie have sold everything and put their money and lives now for that purpose. I have met them and they have deep impression on me, as unselfish as they are. It's really touching how these two people never spend a penny on themselves and are only concerned for others. I find that so amazing and every little bit helps them to this charity running. I have seen children with an amputated leg that were dancing and walking around with a big smile in a moment without worry. That really moved me and when I think back at it it moves me again.

The foundation's mission is to give families affected by the devastating impact of cancer, a much needed break from long hospital stays, traumatic medical procedures and cancer related treatments - so that they may spend quality time together recuperating and enjoying life as a "normal" family - strengthening relationships and creating happy memories. This is all done for people who themselves could never afford such a holiday.

The last few years have been spent tirelessly fund raising in the Newcastle area of the UK where Ged and Julie come from. With the help of their many supporters, including the celebrity patrons, Anthony Kosta (from the successful band "Blue"), Colleen Nolan, Amanda Lamb, Bill Nelson and Ray Fensome, the foundation has recently been able to sign a lease on 2 villas in the village of Kambia (near Almyrida). Julie and Ged have given up their jobs and moved to Crete to set up the villas for their guests.

The Sara's Hope Foundation is dedicated to giving a personal service to each child/young person and their family, and in memory of Sara, giving them "smiles, hope and precious memories".

Many local cafes and tavernas have offered complimentary meals each week to the families that will be staying at the Sara's Hope villas. The Villas Crete Holiday book library has over 2000 books (many of which are recent publications) that can be borrowed for a 1 Euro Donation that goes to the Sara's Hope Foundation. From April, 2011 the book library will be located in the Almyrida Beach Hotel. If you are coming on holiday and do not want to bring heavy books with you, please come to the book exchange.

Alternatively a donation can be left for The Sara's Hope Foundation at The Villas Crete Holidays desk inside Francoise Cafe in Almyrida Beach. Please give generously and think about how essential your holiday is to you, and try to understand that it is even more essential and precious to families with children with cancer. Every donation is very gratefully received.

For further information or to make a direct donation, please go to The Sara's Hope Foundation Website at www.sarashopefoundation.co.uk.
You can also transfer to my bank account with the description "Donation for Sara's Hope Foundation"and I will make sure it will get to them. Every penny counts!

Send me an e-mail - stuur een e-mail.