Sanctuary for teenage cancer sufferers has hit £160k fundraising milestone.

Published: Wednesday, 18 December 2024

I WANTED to send you this important story about a teenager who lives with cancer and is determined to purchase a lodge at Mercia Marina, for others just like her, writes Tina Clough.

It's a really heart warming story and I hope you enjoy reading it and perhaps using it.

Sanctuary

The creation of a sanctuary for cancer-stricken teens has taken a step closer as the fundraising drive of a brave 21 years old Derbyshire woman passes the three-quarter milestone.

Determined Hannah Roberts is battling her own life-limiting cancer but has dedicated her time to a massive fundraising project.

Her goal is to raise £203,000 to purchase a lodge at Mercia Marina, in Findern Lane, near Willington, for use as a respite venue for teenagers and young adults under the care of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Hannah has now smashed the £150,000 milestone, having raised over three-quarters of her target with funds totalling £160,000.

Diagnosed with Glioblastoma

Hannah was diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GBM4) in 2022, aged 19. She spent one and half years under the care of the teenage cancer ward at Nottingham City Hospital, with surgeries at Nottingham QMC. At the time, she was given 14 months to live.

Mum, Gail Iredale, told:

“It has been a hell of a journey but we are now in month 27 and are pleased to say that Hannah has received a stable scan.

“Our commitment to this fundraising mission comes from sheer desperation and knowing what other families are going through. The physical and mental strain of such a diagnosis makes us determined to make a difference to those under the care of the Teenage Cancer Trust.”

Hannah's lodge will provide families with the chance to reconnect amid the natural beauty and tranquillity of the South Derbyshire countryside.

A stream of fundraising projects under the charity name ‘Hannah’s Hope’, has resulted in the current total.

Successful boutique shop at Mercia

On Sunday, September 1st, Hannah, Gail and Gail’s husband Wayne, opened a successful boutique shop at Mercia Marina, selling high-quality, donated, new and nearly new items. It became the charity HQ but will close in February as the space donated by the marina is set for redevelopment.

Robert Neff, general manager at Mercia Marina, enthused:

“I’m delighted that Gail, Hannah and Wayne have been able to make use of the unit for their fundraising purposes and that the shop has been such a success. Their story and Hannah’s mission are both heart-breaking and inspirational.

“While the unit is now due to be demolished, I know that their dedication and hard work will make the dream of the Mercia Marina respite lodge a reality.”

MerciaCancerPatientThere are currently four lodge plots available to reserve at Mercia Marina providing two or three bedrooms, non-residential accommodation, with the option of a hot tub. The lodges can be used as a second home or make a valuable holiday letting opportunity. There are more than 50 luxury lodges at the marina.

Hannah, who won the BBC fundraiser of the year award, in Radio Derby’s Make a Difference Awards, is focused on raising cash for the lodge and paying forward the kindness that she has received throughout her diagnosis. Pictured.

The campaign, that began with 'Help for Hannah' and funded her brain cancer treatment, continues with the aim of purchasing the lodge, with Gail revealing:

Hanah is our world

“Hannah is our world. She is such a happy ray of sunshine. She just wants to do something for every other teenager in this situation and we are totally behind her.

“However, we still have a long way to go. With the help of our volunteers and fellow trustees Tanya Bull and Helen Harrison, we will continue to fundraise, but we really need business sponsorship to help us reach our target. JCB, who Hannah works for, has been tremendous but to reach our goal we need other companies to get on board.”

She said that the shop at Mercia Marina had been a 'massive help', having added £50,000 to the fundraising pot.

Supporters can get involved by sponsoring a yellow brick in a Lego wall that will feature in the lodge. People can pop into the shop at Mercia Marina until February 8th, to sign a brick. Bricks cost £10.00 each.

Hannah’s Hope is a registered charity (No. 1207733).

Crowdfunding to Fund a Respite Holiday Lodge For Teenagers & Young Adults under the care of The Teenage Cancer Trust on JustGiving

In the picture (L-R) are: Gail Iredale (Mum) Trustee, Tony Preston (Mercia Marina), Wayne Iredale (Dad) Trustee, Zoe Clemens (Trustee), Tanya Bull (Treasurer) Trustee.

HannahsHopehits160k