Christian Lewis Trust Children's Cancer Charity

UK Breaks - Caitlin's Story
Image depicting Caitlin's Story
Caitlin, who is now 4½ years old, was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma when she was 2 weeks old. She has been receiving treatment constantly since then. Caitlin is doing quite well at the moment and has just started nursery school. She seems to have settled in and made some friends. Mum and Dad are delighted, but still worried about Caitlin especially as Lucy, their other daughter, died 8 years ago from Retinoblastoma and they are still working through their personal grief for her. This also increases their anxiety about Caitlin and her future.

Mum and Dad keep comparing the treatments between their two daughters; due to medical advances Caitlin's treatment is greatly improved and far less invasive than Lucy's was. However, whilst being pleased that Caitlin is responding well to her treatment, they are sad that it came too late to help Lucy. Caitlin's future is still uncertain and they panic every time they have to take her to the hospital.

Caitlin's 12-year-old brother has difficulty accepting everything that is happening. Cancer has killed one sister and may kill Caitlin as well. He is grieving. He is also very worried over whether he will 'catch' it. He has been reassured that he cannot 'catch' it and that it is highly unlikely that he may develop it, but no one can give him any promises or guarantees.

This family asked if we could arrange a break for them, as they had not been anywhere since Caitlin was born. They are too afraid to go far just in case Caitlin is not well and they need to get her to a hospital quickly. We have four holiday homes in various locations in Wales and we arranged for them to stay in the one situated in Mid Wales, which is situated on the beach with a wonderful view of the sea. There is plenty on site entertainment suitable for the whole family and many exciting local attractions to visit. It has the added advantage of only being two miles from a hospital that would be able to treat Caitlin if this was required. Prior to their holiday we supplied the parents with a full Information Pack about their holiday, that included directions and telephone numbers to the hospital, doctors and local nurses, which helped to give the parents peace of mind and to feel safe to take the children away.

They had a wonderful time and laughed and played together all week. They all felt better for having this opportunity of a much-needed break and for spending this quality time together in a relaxed environment. And guess what? Caitlin was well all week and did not need to receive any emergency medical treatment!

687 children and adults enjoyed a much deserved break at our caravans in the last year. We also gave a special weekend trip or outing to 99 children and adults.