Forty excited siblings, aged eight to 12, travelled from London, Manchester and Gateshead to an outdoor adventure centre in Staffordshire for three unforgettable adventure-packed days at Camp Simcha’s Sibling Retreat.

These resilient young children, who are siblings of seriously ill children supported by Camp Simcha, came together to experience thrilling and fun activities, create lasting friendships while revelling in activities designed especially to let them simply be kids.

Providing the perfect outdoor setting, the siblings challenged themselves with daring, team-building activities including abseiling, rock climbing, caving, canoeing and, firm favourite, soaring the treetops on the zip wire!

Back at base, the kids got creative through graffiti workshops, pottery and imaginative junk modelling, while the evenings came alive with bingo and a concert, unleashing and showcasing all the talent in the room.

Alex, age 10, from Essex attended sibling retreat for the first time. His sister Rebecca was born with a condition called TOF OA syndrome, Tracheoesophageal Fistula and Oesophageal Atresia, which meant her trachea and oesophagus hadn’t formed correctly in the womb and so was unable to swallow.

With surgery at two days old, Rebecca has been in and out of hospital ever since, including a month-long stay in Great Ormond Street last year after a life-threatening complication developed.

According to mum Claire, Alex counted down the days until retreat and it didn’t disappoint.

“He was so excited in the run-up, and we were also delighted that he was going.  He was invited last year, but his little sister Rebecca was too unwell, and he didn’t join – so this year was extra special.

“He came back and had had the time of his life! He loved every minute, joining in with all the activities and making lots of new friends who are in the same boat with an ill sibling, all understanding each other’s challenges.”

Camp Simcha CEO Daniel Gillis explained the importance of running the sibling-only retreat:

“These children often have to grow up faster than their peers and may have witnessed and endured far more trauma or worry than a young person should.

“When their sister or brother is in hospital or receiving medical care, they find themselves understandably taking a back seat while mum and dad focus on the urgent needs of the sick child – often leaving the sibling feeling worried and sad.

“Camp Simcha doesn’t just focus its support on the child who is ill, but also puts siblings front and centre – and these three days are all about making siblings feel special.

“Watching them build new friendships with other children who understand what it’s like to have an ill brother or sister, strengthen existing bonds and just hear them laugh is what it is all about.  It’s a real privilege to be able to witness this firsthand and reinforces how critical Camp Simcha’s support is to families in their moments of need.”

And the final word goes to Alex:

“I had the best time.  I loved making lots of memories and trying all these new activities.  Thank you Camp Simcha for always being there for me and my family!”

Camp Simcha supports over 850 siblings each year, through a programme which also includes therapeutic arts, sibling groups, retreat, volunteers and counselling – building their self-esteem and sense of independence, ensuring siblings are not the ‘forgotten sufferers’ when a child is ill.