The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Retreat treat for families living with cancer
haven: Designer home opened to give break away from hospital treatment
A £1 million designer home for families living with cancer has opened on the banks of a Perthshire loch.
The Ripple Retreat, a spectacular three-bedroom property near Callander, was revealed on Friday by television presenter Lorraine Kelly.
The ceremony marked the end of a major fundraising campaign by husband and wife team Lynne and Ian McNicoll.
Lynne, who is founder of the Edinburgh-based charity It’s Good 2 Give, has raised over £2 million in donations.
The new house at Loch Venacher has taken about 18 months to build. It was designed by award winning architect Tony Kettle and has a stunning, waveshaped roof inspired by the ripples on the loch.
Lynne, who was made an OBE for her charity work, said: “Opening the Ripple Retreat today is an amazing milestone for our charity.
“Our dedicated funders and passionate volunteers have worked tirelessly to deliver something unique which will make an enormous difference to hundreds of people from all over Scotland every year.”
She said: “The Ripple Retreat will be a lifeline to families struggling with the devastating effects of a child’s cancer diagnosis.
“Families are quickly thrown into despair having their child endure the ordeal of chemotherapy and the ravaging effects of this cruel disease.
“Our gift to these families is the Ripple Retreat – a luxurious and peaceful living space for a short break to relax, reflect and hopefully, enjoy time together.”
She said: “On behalf of It’s Good 2 Give, our generous supporters and many dedicated volunteers, we are extremely proud to launch the Ripple Retreat for all the families we are committed to helping through an immensely difficult time in their lives.”
Lynne was joined at the launch by 12-year-old cancer survivor Tabitha Lawson and Alfie Byrne, 7, whose sister died from the disease.
They have been made young ambassadors for the charity.
The campaign hit difficulties in 2015 when Lynne was herself diagnosed with breast cancer, from which she has since recovered.
The house is filled with all home comforts, including toys, books and games.
It also benefits from having fishing rights on the loch.
A garden has been created by Semple Begg Garden and Landscape design.
To donate to the Ripple Retreat campaign visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ fund/RippleRetreat