Following on from the success of previous residential trips to Flynne’s Barn in the heart of the Cumbrian mountains, this year, Spread a Smile accompanied a small group of young people for a very special time away.
Our guests travelled with the Spread a Smile team by train to the Lake District, spending a happy and activity filled couple of days, enjoying the countryside and making special memories together.
Flynne’s Barn is a very special place, set up by Katherine, Robin, and their son Harry, after their 17-year-old daughter sadly died of cancer in 2016. Named in her memory, Flynne’s Barn is a place where young people living with cancer can come together to find peace and forge friendships in the beautiful Lake District surroundings. It recognises and celebrates Flynne’s love of nature and fearless positivity in making meaningful connections with other young people with cancer and has become a mission that Katherine and Robin have put at the centre of everything they do.
On day one our guests enjoyed indoor crafts (due to the rain!) before bushcraft activities in the afternoon,
including building fires and roasting marshmallows then music, singing in the evening.
Day two brought the opportunity to walk some gorgeous Alpacas, followed by an exhilarating trip in a Land Rover to the summit of Fleetwood Pike for amazing views of Scafell Pike and the surrounding fells, accompanied by hot chocolate and marshmallows. After a busy day out and about, everyone loved making their own pizzas for dinner in the evening and having fun together.
As one of our guests said, “Flynne’s family made me feel at home. This holiday has been one of my favourites so far, leaving a lasting impact on me. It wasn’t just the wonderful environment but, more than anything, the people who made it special.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a cancer community where we share similar stories and truly understand each other.
“Thank you, Spread a Smile, for the unforgettable trip and for making my cancer journey happier again and again.”
Thank you to all of our supporters who make trips such as this possible. Also to Flynne’s Barn for being such wonderful hosts and our amazing team for making the event so memorable.
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