Wouldn’t it be great if there was somewhere beautiful in the countryside where terminally ill children could spend special time with their parents and loved ones.  This was the dream of a young boy called Sebastian Gates, who I had the privilege of meeting back in 2003. 

 

So I am really delighted that work has now started on The Bluebells - a holiday home for seriously ill children and their families, designed by Sebastian’s Action Trust.  Since founding the Trust in 2003, Sebastian’s family have battled to build a unique holiday home and I am overjoyed that it is now becoming a reality.

 

Having been involved with the Trust for some time, I am so pleased with the work they do and was thrilled to be asked to become a Patron in recent months.

 

I am always impressed by the dedication and generosity of companies, organisations and local residents who go out of their way to help good causes and charities.  So many of you helped to make the project a reality, including the American Women of Berkshire and Surrey (AWBS) - who raised money to fund the outdoor play equipment - and the pupils, staff and parents at Maidenhead’s Claires Court School - who ran other fundraising activities.  It is great example of the local community coming together to help improve the lives of those going through an unimaginably tough time.

 

I guess this is part of the ‘Big Society’ that David Cameron has been talking about; In some ways it’s an awkward phrase, but it does seem to distil the essence of what it means when people step forward and ask what they can do to help others in their local community, rather than simply assuming the Government can solve all the problems.

 

So a really big thank to those involved in making Sebastian’s dream a reality.  We’ll never forget him and nor will the many children who will walk in his footsteps and enjoy his dream.  Thank you Sebastian.