This time last year six-year-old Saul attended Camp Simcha’s family retreat straight from his hospital bed.

Just months into an intensive course of chemotherapy, he had been hospitalised suffering from an infection and it was touch and go whether he would be discharged in time to attend.

This year a very different Saul arrived at the three-day retreat in the Oxfordshire countryside.

“Last year we came straight from hospital after a week of intense chemo, a temperature spike and his blood count was on the edge of needing a transfusion – our hospital had pre-warned the hospital near retreat that we might need to come in,” explained Saul’s mum Michaela Abenson, from Prestwich, Manchester.

“We still had an incredible time last year and it gave Saul a huge boost but we were on edge… Saul was much sicker and weaker which made it hard to switch off even with the Camp Simcha doctor on site.”

The contrast this year was clear for all to see.

“Although Saul is still receiving maintenance treatment it’s much less intense – he is doing much better, stronger and has more energy and a better understanding of what he is going through.

“We were still a bit nervous before retreat started because Saul has been having lots of leg pain and stomach pain over the last few weeks related to his treatment. However, as soon as we arrived, we saw the energy in the atmosphere take over him.

“He ran in so excited – even though he hadn’t run for the last few weeks because it hurt him too much but it was clear the excitement had taken over. We were able to truly switch off and worry less this year.”

Saul, his parents and sister were among 115 family members attending from London, Essex, Manchester and Surrey for the annual summer retreat.

From the moment families arrived and walked through an archway of singing and dancing volunteers, they were immersed in environment designed to create joy and provide mutual support and respite.

The packed programme included helicopter rides, a Devil Wears Prada-themed dinner and runway talent show, trips to Legoland, Paint Patch and Bicester Village, a petting zoo, a special ‘Dinner for Two’ evening for parents, and a Harry Potter-themed extravaganza on the final day.

“Saul was so pleased to see his Camp Simcha friends, his awesome Big Brother volunteer and the Camp Simcha staff who we all think are just amazing,” said Michaela. “He loved the helicopter ride and the trip to Legoland – and of course the treat room.”

Michaela said she and her husband took the opportunity to spend quality time together – as well as time with other parents going through medical journeys – knowing their children were busy and happy.

“We don’t get much opportunity for this as Saul’s needs can be very full on. While we have been trying to send him to school part-time, he is off more than he is in. He also doesn’t sleep well and often feels worse in the evenings, leaving us not much time together or me much time to myself so that time at retreat was precious.

“Every so often I would see my kids running round the hotel so happy and excited and it was so heartwarming. My daughter has been especially struggling lately, as this is a long journey and it can be difficult for siblings who don’t get much attention. But it was really emotional to see the confidence she had on retreat as she is not always like that; we could see how comfortable and happy she was to be there.  Both kids could just be themselves which showed us how safe they felt.  My husband and I both used to be Camp Simcha volunteers so we know how busy it can be and we are so grateful to the volunteers for giving them the best time.

“Living with childhood cancer there is so much to navigate on a daily basis, so often it feels like I cannot catch my breath. However, on retreat I was reminded what it was like to just be able to breathe again.”

Camp Simcha CEO Daniel Gillis explained: “While the activities are always a huge part of the experience, the true value of retreat goes far beyond the itinerary. It gives families the opportunity to relax, connect with others who understand their journey and enjoy precious moments of fun, normality and togetherness.

“These shared experiences create lasting memories and remind families that they are part of a community that understands the daily challenges of having a seriously ill child and supports them.”

Camp Simcha runs four retreats annually, two for families, one for siblings and one for the ill children. In the past 12 months over 380 family members have attended a retreat.