MSP for Stirling, Evelyn Tweed, has paid tribute to The Ripple Retreat – a place in Callander for families of young cancer patients in Scotland to spend time together during challenging times.
The retreat offers families a calm, caring environment to escape the pressures they find themselves facing when a child is diagnosed with cancer. One family at a time are invited to spend a few days at the retreat, for no cost, where they can play games, enjoy the scenic views of the loch and spend quality time together.
Ripple Retreat, running since 2017, is nestled within the scenic landscape of Loch Venachar in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. It’s part of charity It’s Good 2 Give, which was set up by Lynne McNicoll OBE 12 years ago.
Lynne said; “Before I set up It’s Good 2 Give, I volunteered at Teenage Cancer Trust for many years and met lots of families and young people going through difficult times. I learned that families are often temporarily split up during cancer treatment, with one parent staying in hospital with the child while the other remains at home to work or look after the other kids. Siblings sometimes have to stay with relatives, and even the family pet might get split from the family while they deal with the various challenges and demands of a cancer diagnosis.
“For these families, quality time together is massive, so I wanted to set up a space that would give them the chance to be united again under one roof in a really special and peaceful environment. Quality time together is crucial for mental wellbeing, and when you’re going through cancer you need that more than ever.
In 2015 Lynne herself was diagnosed with breast cancer in the middle of fundraising for the project. Lynne’s treatment was successful and she’s now cancer free, but her personal experience has given additional insight into the value of places like the Ripple Retreat.
Lynne added “Being in hospital can be a really unsettling time with all the upheaval, bright lights and beeping noises, so the natural environment of the retreat with its wildlife and nearby sail boats on the loch is a welcome change for the parents and young people who come and stay here.
“It was brilliant welcoming Evelyn for a visit last month to learn about the retreat and the difference it makes to families of children living with cancer. Nicola Sturgeon visited in 2019 as well and it gives us a real sense of what we’ve achieved when we have people visit and acknowledge the amazing work of our 100+ volunteers.”
SNP MSP for Stirling Evelyn Tweed said; “It was an honour to visit the Ripple Retreat and see what amazing things they do for families going through cancer. The amount of work that has gone into Ripple Retreat and the charity as a whole is extraordinary, and Callander and Stirling can be incredibly proud of such a wonderful project.
“The world needs more people like Lynne and her army of her volunteers, who are going above and beyond to help families facing very difficult times. They bring joy and happiness to those who need it most.”
It’s Good 2 Give has raised huge amounts of money for cancer patients during its 12 year history, and Lynne has done a number of fundraisers both during and before she set up the project, including a sponsored trek across the Sahara desert.
As well as the Ripple Retreat, It’s Good 2 Give has also funded four psychologist roles in NHS trusts in Glasgow and Lothian, as well as funding ‘Parent and Patient Packs’ in children’s’ hospitals in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. Parent Packs are for parents who find themselves in hospital suddenly without essentials like shower gel, toothbrush, stamps and a t-shirt.
This year the charity is hoping to get involved in the Kilt Walk challenge in September in Edinburgh and are welcoming anyone who would like to take part in the event on their behalf.
More information about It’s Good to Give here: www.itsgood2give.co.uk
More info about the retreat and how to visit are here: https://www.itsgood2give.co.uk/ripple-retreat
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