Charities Naomi House and Jacksplace open holiday lodge at Hoburne Bashley for families with youngsters suffering from life-limiting illness
A lodge providing respite for children and young adults living with a terminal diagnosis has been opened at Hoburne Bashley.
Local hospices Naomi House & Jacksplace have paid for the fully accessible holiday home, which is offered free of charge.
Charity patron Naomi Cornelius-Reid carried out a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the lodge, named Naomi House in the Forest, which was decorated with a balloon arch for the occasion.
The thoughtfully designed facility provides a home-from-home for families with three bedrooms, including an adaptable bedroom that leads to an accessible wet-room. The wet-room has both a hoist and shower chair, which is essential supportive equipment for many children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.
Described as “a comfortable and easy space for children and their families to enjoy together”, the lodge will provide much-needed respite.
Mark Smith, chief executive of Naomi House & Jacksplace, said: “Situated within the superb park and facilities of Hoburne Bashley, we are proud to open our first ever accessible holiday lodge, ‘Naomi House in the Forest’.
“The lodge provides a welcome holiday for the children and families who use our hospice services at Naomi House. I am delighted with the feedback we’ve received so far.
“The mums, dads, brothers and sisters who visit our hospices can have very busy, stressful and complicated lives, and if the lodge can provide them with a moment of tranquillity, fun or relaxation, that’s fantastic.”