As our regular guests will know, we at Villas Crete Holidays have been supporting The Sara’s Hope Foundation since we first heard about it in early 2009.

The Sara’s Hope Foundation was started by Ged and Julie Hoburn after they tragically lost their 16 year old daughter, Sara, to cancer. Inspired by Sara’s bravery and positive attitude, the foundation successfully manages a holiday retreat in Crete offering respite for children and young people with cancer and their families.

The foundation’s mission is to give families affected by the devastating impact of cancer, a much needed break from long hospital stays, traumatic medical procedures and cancer related treatments – so that they may spend quality time together recuperating and enjoying life as a “normal” family – strengthening relationships and creating happy memories.

Before giving up their jobs in the UK to move to Crete Ged and Julie spent many hours fundraising in the Newcastle area of the UK where they originate from. With the help of their many in the UK, including the celebrity patrons, Anthony Kosta (from the successful band “Blue”), Colleen Nolan, Amanda Lamb, Bill Nelson and Ray Fensome, the foundation was able to sign a lease on 2 villas in the Apokoronas village of Kambia, with an agreement to buy the villas within a few years.

The Sara’s Hope Foundation is dedicated to giving a personal service to each child/young person and their family, and in memory of Sara, giving them “smiles, hope and precious memories”. The local community in Crete fully supports the Sara’s Hope Foundation with many local cafes and tavernas giving complimentary meals to the families that stay at the Sara’s Hope villa, as well as supporting Ged’s tireless fundraising efforts which are always needed for both the villa purchase fund and the flights and expenses of the visiting families every week in the summer.

The difference the Ged and Julie have already made to many families’ lives is immense. I cannot even begin to describe the joy that I have seen on the faces of the children and young adults who for so long have only known the inside of a hospital. The chance for them to be carefree and revel in the sun, sea , sand, and incredible hospitality here on Crete is absolutely priceless.

For some of the youngsters who have been to stay at the Sara’s Hope Villa it has heartbreakingly been their last ever, but incredibly important holiday before succumbing to this evil disease. Sadly this only goes to emphasize just how important the work that Ged and Julie do is.

The Villas Crete Holiday book library has over 2000 books (many of which are recent publications) that can be borrowed for a 1 Euro Donation that goes to the Sara’s Hope Foundation. The book library is located in the Almyrida Beach Hotel.

Alternatively a donation can be left for The Sara’s Hope Foundation at The Villas Crete Holidays area inside the Francoise Café on Almyrida Beach. Please give generously and think about how essential your holiday is to you, and try to understand that it is even more essential and precious to families with children with cancer. Every donation is very gratefully received.

For further information or to make a direct donation, please go to The Sara’s Hope Foundation Website at www.sarashopefoundation.co.uk If you would like to attend one of the Sara’s Hope Foundations fund raising events in the UK, regular updates are posted on the Saras Hope Foundation Facebook page.