Calum’s Cabin
784. Caroline Speirs
785. Duncan Speirs
786 . Jenna Speirs
Caroline and Duncan Speirs, together with their daughter Jenna Speirs, from the Isle of Bute, are the co-founders of ‘Calum’s Cabin’, created in memory of their son who died of a brain tumour in 2006.
The charity gives away week long holiday retreats to families with children suffering from cancer and covers the costs of the ferry, accommodation, activities, a welcome pack, and spending money. Over 70 volunteers help out at the retreat by welcoming the families and carrying out everyday maintenance at the charity’s three properties, all of which have been full since they were opened. The couple, with the help of their daughter Jenna, have arranged holidays for over 900 families and raised over £2.5m for the charity through sponsorship and innovative fundraiser events, which have attracted thousands of attendees.
In a personal letter to Caroline, Duncan and Jenna, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Your work with ‘Calum’s Cabin’ has allowed hundreds of families with children suffering from cancer to enjoy quality time together during a very difficult period in their lives. The charity has inspired hundreds to volunteer, and the millions of pounds you have raised show tremendous dedication to the cause. This is a truly remarkable way of honouring Calum’s memory, and you should be very proud of what you have achieved as a family.”
Caroline, Duncan and Jenna said:
“We are honoured to have received a Points of Light award and it is wonderful that the Prime Minister has seen fit to bestow this upon us for our dedication to ‘Calum’s Cabin.’ It is our hope that these awards will highlight the cause of ‘Calum’s Cabin’, resulting in us being able to help more families who have a child suffering from cancer or a cancer related disease.”