Making Memories Together – Becky’s Story
For many of us, family holidays are a time for making lasting memories. Adventures. Laughter. Precious time together. That became especially true for Becky and her family when her dad received some life-changing news.
He was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare and progressive neurological condition that can affect movement, balance, speech and independence.
Like many families facing a life-changing diagnosis, Becky’s family have had to come to terms with an uncertain future. But rather than focusing only on what lies ahead, they are determined to make the most of the time they have together.
That is exactly what brought the family to Calvert Kielder.
During their stay, they were able to spend precious time together in the beautiful surroundings of Kielder Forest, enjoying the opportunity to relax, explore and simply be a family.
For Becky, the experience meant a great deal. Calvert Kielder gave them the chance to step away from the everyday challenges of living with a progressive condition and concentrate on what matters most – spending quality time together.
But their connection with Calvert Kielder didn’t end when they returned home.
Wanting to give something back to a place that holds such a special place in their hearts, Becky and her family decided to start fundraising for Calvert Kielder.
Their fundraising plans include a very special challenge, with Becky’s partner taking on a skydive to help raise money. The family are hoping to raise enough to donate two or three specialist riser-recliner chairs to Calvert Kielder, which will provide greater comfort and support for guests staying in our accessible accommodation.
One of the chairs will hopefully be placed in Lodge 3 – the very lodge where Becky and her family stayed.
It is a wonderful way for the family to turn their own experience into something that could make a difference to other families in the future.
“Calvert Kielder holds such a special place in our hearts,” Becky told us. “We just want to help and give back.”
We were delighted to welcome Becky and her family to Calvert Kielder and to play a small part in helping them create memories together.
And now, through their fundraising, they are helping to make it possible for other families to do the same.
Because sometimes the most meaningful memories are the ones we create together – and the ones we help make possible for others.
