Life Changing Therapeutic NF1 Holiday Camp

Co-organized

Vanessa Martin and Marcus Pett are organizing this fundraiser to benefit Childhood Tumour Trust.

The work of Childhood Tumour Trust directly benefits the lives of children and young people affected by Neurofibromatosis (NF1) a condition that causes tumours to grow on nerves.

There are currently 25,000 people in the UK living with NF1. Many of these are children and young people. Their young lives sadly often revolve around attending hospital appointments, speaking to doctors and consultants, scans and operations. There is no cure for NF1. The nature of this life is very different in comparison to the life of a child who does not have NF1.

An NF1 diagnosis can leave many individuals to feel isolated and alone. It can lead many young people to find it difficult to make friends as those with NF1 often struggle to attend school.

Every year Childhood Tumour Trust holds a camp for children aged 12 - 17 who are affected by NF1. Camps allows them to develop self-confidence, social skills, and the chance to express themselves in a safe environment without being judged. These skills will stay with them as they transition into adult life.

Because of camp we see that many of our young members have established friendships and developed a sense of independence. From having few friends they now meet up regularly and even have holidays together. Our young people gain confidence in our camp environment and are often seen to attempt activities that they would not have tried in a mainstream environment. Meeting others who have lived with the same experiences has shown to help our young people to normalise their feelings around living with NF1 and provides a sense of belonging. For many, it is the first time they are away from home and for a few, it is the first time they have ever had a sleepover.

It costs around £300 to send a child with NF1 to camp and we rely on mainly on fundraising to achieve this. For their welfare we ensure a high ratio of helpers to children as many have additional needs.

Our 'camp' fire