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Testimonials from health professionals, cancer related charities and parents
"Ellen had the most fantastic time with you in August and for me it seemed like she was all
'grown up' when we collected her on the friday. I'm sure she had a real confidence knock
whilst
she was ill and on treatment and reverted back a couple of years into a shy
unassuming girl. I
think having cancer and being different amongst her peers and friends
and family has put her in
the spotlight, something she would have hated two years ago.
Thank you so much for giving kids like Ellen the chance to spend time together away from
their
families and even though as parents of kids with cancer you feel like you want to
cocoon them
away from the world to protect them, I know Ellen really enjoyed herself"
Ellen's mum
“Macmillan Cancer Relief has been proud to be associated with The Youth Cancer Trust since October 1998. Feedback from the young people who have spent time with Brenda and Jim is invariably positive and it is obvious that the service provided is extremely important in improving the quality of life for young people, at a particularly difficult time in their lives”
Fran Williams
Service Development Manager (Macmillan Cancer Relief)
"Thank you so much for giving Hannah and Katie such a fabulous time at Tracy Ann House. They have come back with so many wonderful stories about their week, that I don't know how you managed to fit it all in! Hannah surprised herself immensely when she was with you and was delighted that she managed to take part in so many activities.
Both the girls loved the Horse riding and the go - karting... and the endless supply of Purbeck Dairy Ice Cream! They loved meeting other people with cancer in such a positive environment and being able to laugh. Thank you."
Hannah's parent
“I am writing to commend the excellent work done by yourself, Brenda Clark and all the staff at The Youth Cancer Trust, for young people suffering with cancer.
I work with children and young people who are suffering with bone cancer for which treatment comprises of 6-12 months of chemotherapy and major surgery. The side effects of this treatment are exceptionally debilitating and invariably render the recipient dependent on others for their care. Many of these young people are understandably frustrated by their loss of independence and become depressed, losing interest in every day life and their future. It is therefore, of great importance that they are given goals, objectives and something to look forward to at the end of their treatment and holidays are very frequently requested by their families.
The activities arranged at Tracy Ann House provide these young people with ‘breathing space’ away from everything associated with their treatment and give them the opportunity to re-assert their independence and some control over their lives.
Patients from this hospital who have sampled the delights at Tracy Ann House have returned refreshed, excited and perhaps most importantly, with renewed optimism for life and their future.
There is undoubtedly a great need for establishments such as Tracy Ann House and the enthusiasm, efficiency and hard work undertaken by all the staff involved in the organisation of the holiday, make it the success it is today.
Keep up the good work and thank you on behalf of all those young people who have benefited to date.”
Hilary Hollingsworth
Senior Social Worker
Birmingham City Council
"I would just like to thank you for giving my son Gary and his girlfriend Hayley such a fantastic time. He couldn't praise you enough, telling me what brilliant people you all are, and how much he really enjoyed himself, as well as making new friends that he is keen to keep in touch with. He had more to tell about this holiday than when he went abroad for the first time last year."
"Thank you for giving our child a break which he thoroughly enjoyed. it gave him a confidence he didn't have before. It also gave us a chance of some welcome relief and time to visit one of our other children who is at college now."
Gary's mum
“I just thought I would drop you a note before our next group of teenagers arrive on Monday.
They are all really excited and looking forward to their holiday with YCT.
Our previous group had a fabulous time and are all hoping they can return sometime in the future.
It has been really wonderful working with you all and I am looking forward to sending children from Scotland for many years”
Valerie Simpson
MD Children with Cancer & Leukaemia Advice and Support for Parents (CCLASP)
"Many, many thanks. This holiday plan has really boosted Karl's morale"
Babs Sheridan
Palliative Care Social Worker
James Paget Hospital NHS Trust
"I am writing to thank you so much for the wonderful holiday you organised for my son and his friend. For the past four years Bilal has undegone treatment after treatment of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and stem cell transplant. I think it must be the first time in that four years he's had the opportunity to just 'get away' and enjoy himself as a teenager, without myself or his dad fussing and worrying about him. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and has not stopped talking about it. Yasin also, who has helped Bilal through some of his darkest moments, absolutely loved every minute of the week. Even the mid-week mini transplant Bilal had to have, was not going to stop the boys going back. I had trouble keeping up with them at Waterloo Station as they ran for their train!
The boys enjoyed every part of their holiday and the wonderful activities that were organised. I felt they were extremely well cared for (not easy with 8 teenage boys). They have both come back with
renewed energy, new friends and most importantly new experiences to hold on to."
Theresa Hedoun (Bilal's mum)
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