Ellie’s Haven- Respite for Special Families

Hello my name is Abigail and I'd like to thank you for taking interest in my blog. I think helping children with

So first, a little bit about the charity. Ellie's Haven is a small charity, based in Looe, Cornwall. It was set up in November 2007, by Nigel and Julie Libby. They want to set up a holiday home offering a free holiday to a family with an ill child. This will provide them with the medical equipment they need, and also the chance to speak to other families going through a similar situation to themselves.
long-term illnesses and their families have a short holiday is very important. That’s why my chosen charity is Ellie’s Haven. I am trying to raise awareness for them because I feel it is a very worthy cause, and there aren’t many opportunities like what they are offering. I hope you will agree with me after finding out more.

So, why should you care?

• Ellie’s Haven can help so many people with illnesses and their families enjoy themselves and forget their everyday life stress or struggles
• You may want an opportunity like this now or in the future (hopefully you don’t but it may happen!)
• It could help families cope with the situation they are in if they talk and share their experiences with other families like themselves

I (and you hopefully will as well) think it is unfair that it is so hard for families to go on holidays because of a child’s medical needs, and think that if I was in their situation, I would be grateful for their help
Here's Ellie's story. Ellie Libby (the inspiration of the charity and the daughter of Nigel and Julie), was born on the 25th January 2005. To start with Ellie was just like any other baby. However, in the first year of her life, Ellie was rushed to hospital 33 times. She required around-the-clock care because of complex medical issues. However, Julie and Nigel thought she shouldn’t be isolated because of this, and that is now the main ethos behind the charity. Ellie unfortunately passed away on 5th January 2012, just a few weeks before her 7th birthday.

Before they even realised exactly what conditions Ellie had, they launched an appeal for public donations to fund a children's endoscope at Derriford hospital. They were so over-whelmed by the response they got that they came up with the idea to build a holiday home for families with similar problems to themselves.

After years of fundraising, they have finally managed to buy a property, and soon will be able to start working on converting it. However, they still need your help to be able to purchase the medical equipment, and keep the holiday home in top condition. 

If you could now please leave a comment answering the following questions I would really appreciate it, along with any additional comments or questions:

• Had you heard of Ellie's Haven before reading this blog? (If so how)
• Do you now feel more informed about Ellie's Haven?
• Would you now consider supporting Ellie's Haven by donating or doing a fundraiser?

Finally, please could you remember to say where you come from (i.e. home town and country) in your comment! 
If you would like to find out more, donate or contact Ellie’s Haven, go to: http://www.ellies-haven.org.uk 
 Many thanks!     Abigail