Destination Dreams costs Caudwell Children £300,000 every year so Natasha and her family are raising money to help with the cost of the trip. You can support them via the Just Giving Page: www. justgiving.com/holiday4natasha. You can also text PEAL61 and
A NORTHERN Ireland mother and domestic violence survivor is hoping to raise money for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disney World for her 11-year-old daughter, whose illness means she can’t walk or talk.
Natalie Hampton’s daughter Natasha, who has a chromosome disorder and Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, is still recovering from surgery five years ago which gave her a one-in-five chance of survival.
But now her 38-year-old mum, from Ballygowan, Co Down, has said she wants nothing more than to be able to treat Natasha, a pupil at Tor Bank School, and her family to a holiday in Florida this year.
Natasha spent a lot of time in and out of hospital following the operation. She was in constant pain due to abnormal peristalsis and a blockage in the bowel, which required more surgery.
It was a difficult time, during which Natalie had to turn to Women’s Aid, but she also applied for a place for Natasha on Caudwell Children’s annual Destination Dreams holiday.
She was overjoyed to learn Natasha has been offered a place on the trip, but now the focus is on raising funds to cover the costs.
“I was thrilled to learn that Natasha had been selected for the dream trip — I simply couldn’t believe it,” she said.
“The families are really well looked after as the charity provides a dedicated team of paediatric doctors and nurses who are available 24/7.
“They also take along over 40 volunteers to assist families around the theme parks. Because of the associated costs of taking very poorly children overseas the charity has to pay, on average, £12,000 per family.”
She added: “However, with the current economic climate there’s always the risk that they won’t be able to raise enough money by the time the holiday comes around in December 2018.
“Therefore, all the families on the trip have decided to appeal to local communities to ensure that we get on that plane to Florida in December.”
Caudwell Children is a national charity that provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families.
The charity created Destination Dreams in 2007 to give 25 children with life-threatening conditions the opportunity to experience a ‘dream’ holiday to Disney World.
Full-time carer Natalie said the holiday is extremely important for the whole family.
“With Natasha spending the majority of her time in hospital, her brother Ruben, who’s seven, had to spend a lot of time being looked after by his grandmother so a family trip would allow Natasha to have more time to bond with him,” she said.
“The trip would create special memories for us all to cherish as a family. Having the chance to spend quality time together would be brilliant.”
Natalie, a single mother, says that her daughter loves Disney music and that her bedroom is themed with Disney Princesses.
“The trip would grant Natasha her wish, as she really enjoys being her mummy’s very own princess,” said Natalie.
“I hope the public support our fundraising campaign so we can raise the money we need.”
Trudi Beswick, chief executive from Caudwell Children, is urging the community to get behind the family’s appeal.
“For many families caring for children with terminal or life-threatening conditions, the thought of leaving the protected environment of their own home fills them with dread,” she said.
“By providing 24hour professional medical assistance and a team of volunteers Destination Dreams gives families the chance to create happy memories.”