Young Cancer patients receive free accommodation thanks to QEHB Charity

Ned Hilton has been receiving treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for a brain tumour, and has been staying at the SACA Home from Home, which provides free accommodation for young people with cancer, and their families, just a few minutes away from the hospital.

Ned and his dad Rob stayed at the home from home for four weeks whilst Ned was receiving treatment, and they reflected on their stay at the home. Rob said: "It really was a home, it's beautifully set out and very comfortable. It's so close to the hospital and you can't put into words the amount of anxiety it reduced and the amount of worry it took away.

"You just walk into it, put your bag down, and you're at home with the kettle on."
For Ned, the home meant that his dad could be by his side throughout his treatment. Speaking of having his dad close by, Ned said: "That was massively helpful. If I had been doing any of it along, which I don't think I've done, it would have been a lot more difficult for me. It means that we've been able to do it all together."
Rob was inspired by his stay at the home from home and went on to run the Ilkeley Half Marathon and, thanks to the generosity of his friends and family, has raised over £4,000 for the home from home appeal.
Sophie Carroll, Senior Fundraiser at QEHB Charity, said: "Huge thanks go to Rob for his incredible fundraising efforts, the money that he has raised will help to provide a home away from home for even more patients here at the hospital.

"It was wonderful to hear Ned and Rob talking about the difference that the home made to them as a family, and how it allowed them to lead as normal a life as possible whilst Ned was receiving his treatment. We're proud to be able to offer the home from home service, but it is only thanks to our generous donors and supporters, including the Sikh Arts and Cultural Association (SACA) which funded the home from home.

Find out more about the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity's mission to provide more home from home accommodation for patients and their families by visiting hospitalcharity.org/homefromhome