Our aim is to develop a holiday house and support centre in Cheshire, where children with a life threatening illness can come with their families for a FREE short break.

"When Josh was diagnosed with Leukaemia in September 04, David and I were bombarded with a barrage of information explaining his condition, and what this subsequently meant, not just for Josh, but for us as a family. We have vivid memories of a whole list of ‘you will not be able to..’ and we were left wondering whether a return to relative normality would ever be an option".

Because of Josh’s greatly reduced level of immunity due to his Leukaemia, he (particularly during the first year of his treatment), was very limited to where he was able to go e.g. no indoor play areas, cafes, restaurants, cinema, theatre, play barns etc, in-fact anywhere where there would be a number of people gathering in a confined space.

All families are advised not to go on holiday during the first year of treatment, and this is why our initial ideas about ‘The Joshua Tree’ were borne.

We felt very strongly that we wanted to create a haven for families to be able to spend quality time together in a safe environment. So much of a family’s initial time after diagnosis revolves around the hospital, and more often than not, siblings are having to spend time with other carers whilst ‘mum and dad’ begin a process of adjustment at the child’s bedside. We believe that time away together as a whole family is very precious in bonding the family back together again, where all members can laugh again and enjoy ‘time out’ together.

To allow a sense of freedom and fun, we envisage that ‘The Joshua Tree’ will include a taster of those things that children with Cancer cannot normally enjoy due to risk of infection. e.g. creation of a soft play area and cinema room.

We would also like to include a playground and multi-purpose all weather court so that travelling off site for recreation isn’t necessary. We would like to offer accommodation for 4 families to allow opportunities for sharing but also to ensure privacy when needed. There will be a separate room for quiet reflection and contemplation.

Race 12 of the 2011 Chester Dragon Boat Festival: Ooh Wallah Wallah  vs The Radbroke Spartans.

Ooh Wallah Wallah:         1.22.31
The Radbroke Spartans:   1.42.14

A tough draw for the Spartans - especially as Ooh Wallah Wallah were the 2006 & 2007 Dragon Boat Champions of Chester.

The Radbroke Spartans should not be discouraged though as later went on to both qualify for the Grand Final, and become Dragon Boat Champions of Chester 2011