Getting away from it all – Ella’s story

Day to day life can be very challenging for our families – there are appointments, medication and equipment to organise, alongside lack of sleep and very little time to themselves. A break away from it all can make a world of difference. 

So it was brilliant when we were approached by Principle Trust Children’s Charity offering a respite break for one of our families in a log cabin in Riverside Park near Clitheroe. Sue, grandma and full-time carer of 5 year old Ella, jumped at the chance! 

Sue says, “it was really good for us as a family. You get so wrapped up with everything that’s going on – sorting appointments, equipment etc. It takes over. You need to switch off from it all once in a while and this break really helped us to do that.”

Their log cabin was fully adapted and even had a hot tub. “Ella had never been in a hot tub before and she absolutely loved it. And it really helped her. Because of her condition her hands and feet are always tightly clenched but when she came out of the hot tub they were completely relaxed. Also, normally Ella barely sleeps but after time spent in the hot tub, she slept right through the night!” 

Sue, husband Dave and Ella also took to their bikes while they were away. “We got a trailer for Ella a while back but it’s difficult to go out on our bikes in town. At the park there was lots of space for us to explore. Ella had the time of her life!”

Sue feels the break wasn’t just beneficial for Ella. “It was fantastic too for us as a couple, to slow down a bit, remember what we used to talk about!”

Huge thanks to the Principle Trust Children’s Charity who provide respite breaks for children and families. And thanks too to you lovely lot who help us be here for families like Ella’s day in, day out.