Childhood cancer is a devastating disease that impacts entire families, serving as a source of chronic stress for the sick child, their parents, and their siblings. When faced with the unprecedented difficulties of a childhood cancer diagnosis, it can be challenging for families to find time to step back and appreciate the time they have together. Calums Cabin exists for this very reason – providing holiday homes for families affected by childhood cancers, enabling breaks away for respite in preparation for whatever may lie ahead in this journey. We spoke to Caroline Speirs, Co-Founder of Calums Cabin, as this outstanding organisation is recognised in the UK Enterprise Awards 2025. Children’s Cancer Accommodation Support Charity of the Year 2025 – Scotland Calums Cabin is a wonderful retreat inspired by Calum Speirs, a remarkable young man who passed away on February 16th, 2007. Raised on the Isle of Bute, Calum was a fit and healthy young man until he was unfortunately diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in January 2006, a diagnosis that devasted his entire family. Calum fought bravely to beat the tumour, but it was unfortunately not to be, and Calum passed away 13 months later. Throughout his time in hospital, Calum heard many sad stories of children and families going through similar experiences. He knew that the Isle of Bute is a stunning part of the world and thought that it would be special for children suffering from cancer to visit Bute and make irreplaceable, unforgettable memories with their families. Calum dreamt up the concept of ‘Calum’s Caravan’, and his family immediately set to work fundraising to purchase a caravan that would bring this dream to life. The fundraising efforts were put on hold as Calum’s condition worsened, with hopes to return when he got better. Though this was not to be, the fundraising began once again with a collection at Calum’s service, raising £3248. The day after Calum’s service, his parents, Caroline and Duncan, and his twin sister, Jenna, found a caravan for sale for £20,000, with a field of £90,000 lodges adjoining. This serendipitous day gave the Speirs family something to hold onto in their hardest moments – a mission to fulfil in honour of Calum’s dream. Calums Cabin was officially opened by his twin sister Jenna, on 12th February 2009. Four days later, exactly two years since Calum’s passing, the Cabin welcomed its first family. Following that, demand from families was so high that in November 2011, Calums Cabin Cottage was purchased and opened the following year. Calum had always loved playing Monopoly, and so the charity aspires to continue growing to establish many more Calums Cabins, Cottages, and near hospital home from home flats to aid families dealing with the pain and stresses that a childhood cancer diagnosis brings. Now, Calums Cabin rents additional accommodation on the Isle of Bute from The Mountstuart Trust and from Kames Castle Cottages, as well as a rented property from Dumfries House in Ayrshire, and additional properties in Anstruther and Aviemore. Most recently, Calums Cabin has established 12 flats in Glasgow close to cancer treatment centres that allow families from across the country to stay together in welcoming, home-from-home surroundings during extended periods of treatment. “Whether it’s expanding our accommodation options or introducing more weekly mindfulness sessions to support emotional wellbeing, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to make a real difference,” Caroline told us. “Growth for us isn’t just about getting bigger – it’s about doing better. We look for opportunities to improve and expand our services in ways that directly benefit the families we support. This can be through creating more accommodation, introducing new wellbeing initiatives, or finding more sustainable ways to operate.” “We’re not just offering a place to stay – we’re creating safe, comforting spaces filled with love, and we’re supporting families emotionally, practically, and spiritually during their hardest moments. It’s our values-driven, heart-led approach that sets us apart.” Ultimately, Calums Cabin aims to be recognised countrywide and raise as much awareness as possible to support any family experiencing a childhood cancer diagnosis. At present, Calums Cabin is focusing on strengthening and streamlining its support services for families with a child battling cancer. This includes providing support to 19 families per week with accommodation, monthly snacks, weekly mindfulness sessions, support vouchers, seasonal gifts, fairy box items, and one-on-one peer support. In the long-term, Calums Cabin’s goal is to ensure families receive consistent, meaningful assistance during incredibly challenging times, a mission that has earned it the well-deserved title again of Scotland’s Children’s Cancer Accommodation Support Charity of the Year 2025. If you would like to learn more about Calums Cabin and its outstanding offerings, you can visit the Calums Cabin official website now. Contact: Caroline Speirs Company: Calums Cabin Web Address: www.calumscabin.com May25072
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjM3