Blue hues worn to change cancer patients’ lives

School kids have donned blue to raise funds for a retreat service offering weekends away for families affected by cancer. HOW YOU CAN HELP >>

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School kids have donned blue to raise funds for a retreat service offering weekends away for families affected by cancer.

Homely Retreats founder Jay Chipman said she was humbled by students’ efforts to lift up her charity, which she created after battling Hodgkin lymphoma in 2015.

“That’s where I started to realise the importance of doing really special family based activities where the kids could all reconnect again instead of just being the sick family,” she said.

Homely Retreats founder Jay Chipman alongside students Liam Harvey, 13, Halle Watt, 14 and Shinae Borg, 13 who dressed in blue to raise awareness for Homely Retreats who provide respite for young Tasmanian families affected by cancer. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Ms Chipman said Bayview Secondary College students developed an annual community fundraiser idea, launching the August 26 as the official event and testing out the idea at their school yesterday (Wednesday 19) to wear blue and bring a gold coin donation.

Ms Chipman said the generosity of others sustained Homely Retreats, from fundraisers to homeowners offering their accommodation to families for weekends.

Toby Symons, Isla Symons, 7, Campbell Symons, 8, Claire Symons and Elsie Symons, 5 on their Homely Retreats trip at Spring Beach, Orford. SOURCE: SUPPLIED.

Claire Symons who is currently just over half way through her six months of chemotherapy said breast cancer changed her life and prevented her from her job teaching.

She said her “rejuvenating” Homely Retreats family trip to Orford exploring rockpools and enjoying family came at the perfect time.

“We had something to look forward to on a pretty rough road,” she said.

“It was just what we needed in a time of hardship.”

Homely Retreats day events will be held at South Arm Primary, Clarendon Vale Primary, Lauderdale Primary and Rokeby Primary on August 26.