Laura Hancox said “I couldn’t get my head around it”
A woman said she cried for 24 hours after opening a “shocking” email. Like many, Laura Hancox was surprised to learn that the Southport respite charity she relies on is closing.
The 41-year-old, originally from Staffordshire, has cerebral palsy with the lifelong condition affecting her movement and coordination. As a result of her disorder, she regularly travels to Sandpipers, a charity located beside the marine lake on Fairway, to give her family carers a “break”. However, an email confirmed that this would no longer be an option in December as the company is having to close its doors.
Laura, a radio presenter, told the ECHO: “I do live independently, but I do have family members who come and look after me. So, going to Sandpipers, which I have for 13 years, is a holiday for me and them. It gives me a change of scenery and helps with my mental health massively – going somewhere different.
READ MORE: Man’s ‘fall from his throne’ after bragging about his wealth and successREAD MORE: ‘Healthy’ baby girl died and her parents will never know why
“I got the email about the closure just like everyone else. I cried on and off for 24 hours. I was heartbroken. I was a big mess if I’m being honest. I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t get my head around it.”
Revitalise, which has sites across the UK, announced the news earlier this month. People across Merseyside have been using, volunteering and working at the Southport site for decades.
In a statement shared on its website and social media channels, Revitalise Respite Holidays said: “It is with great sadness that Revitalise Respite Holidays must announce that the difficult decision has been made to close the charity.
“Despite every effort to ensure the charity’s survival, the financial challenges we face have become insurmountable. It is our intention to honour all guest breaks booked until November 25; following which our centres will close.
“We are communicating with all guests with breaks booked beyond that date and with those who have longer-term placements.”
While at Sandpipers, Laura socialises, goes on excursions and swims in the hydrotherapy pool to strengthen her muscles. Laura still has one more holiday booked, which she will be able to attend before Sandpipers closes.
The week-long break cost her over £2,000. Laura has created a petition to save the centre but said that, unfortunately, the speed of the signatures has slowed down.
She said: “The service is so important. For me, it is just a holiday, but for others, it’s vital. The respite isn’t just for us, as guests, but also for the home-time carers, as they need breaks too. Revitalise is more than just a holiday charity; it is a lifeline that has catered to people like me for decades.”
Sid Murphy, from Tuebrook, had a similar experience with his two daughters, who were born with microcephaly. You can read his story here and sign Laura’s petition here.
