For families navigating the huge challenges of serious childhood illness, moments of respite and joy can be life changing.

Camp Simcha is dedicated to making those moments possible, with an exciting range of events in the coming months – including the much-anticipated mums’ spa days, the largest ever residential sibling retreat and family retreat, dads’ events, a zoo outing, and the charity’s summer day scheme.

All of these activities, in addition to Camp Simcha’s day-to-day practical and therapeutic support enable families to have moments of relief and light amidst their daily struggles, as well as connection with others who understand.

Siblings are often the forgotten sufferers when a child is ill – Camp Simcha’s retreat in May is just for the brothers and sister of seriously ill children, offering a weekend away with a packed programme of activities – as well as the traditional Camp Simcha campfire circle time, which gives them an opportunity to share some of their daily challenges with other young people in similar situations.

Describing the positive impact it has for the children attending, Camp Simcha Chief Executive Daniel Gillis explains: “When mum and dad, understandably, need to spend more time with their seriously ill child, siblings can feel isolated, stressed and emotions can run high.

“However, sibling retreat puts them front and centre. They walk in and almost instantly forget any worries or burdens they might be carrying. Watching new friendships flourish and existing ones strengthen is very special.  It really is a game-changing three days of pure fun, but also respite, for the siblings and a privilege to observe.”

Camp Simcha annually supports some 1,700 family members throughout the UK, coping with over 50 different serious, life-threatening, life-limiting, life-changing and chronic childhood medical conditions.

If you or someone you know needs Camp Simcha’s help, email office@campsimcha.org.uk or call 0202 8202 9297.