A special retreat for parents who are grieving the loss of a child has been opened by the mother and father of Ellie Nicholl, the eight-year-old girl from Garvary who passed away in March following a battle with an extremely rare neurological condition called H-ABC syndrome.

Ellie’s parents, Ciara and Billy, have secured a static caravan at Castle Archdale which they hope will provide families with “anonymity, space and time together” after the loss of a child.

Ellie would have been nine year’s old on Tuesday, September 20, and, to mark her birthday, her uncles Jos and Nigel, their friends Ian and Mick, her mother Ciara and father Billy met at her burial place, Cross Cemetery, to launch a 290 mile charity cycle to Hook Head in aid of Ellie’s Retreat.
Ellie’s Retreat “will be a safe haven for families like us, offering week or weekend breaks,” said Mrs. Nicholl.

“There are no words to explain the grief after the death of your child whether expected or not. The pain and heartache felt are immense,” she added. 
“Numbness and severe anxiety become a part of everyday life. There is a real fear of going outside the door and meeting people having no explanation for these feelings.”

Mr. and Mrs. Nicholl and their son Arran recently returned from a short break at Alice’s Escapes in Cumbria, a charity which offers respite breaks for families. 

Mrs. Nicholl said: “We as a family really enjoyed the escape, as well as we could under the circumstances. The fear and anxiety lessened even if it was just for those few days. Life seemed a wee bit normal and this is where the idea for Ellie’s Retreat was born.”

Mr. and Mrs. Nicholl hope the retreat will help other families and will “keep Ellie’s memory alive.”

They have paid a deposit of £5,000 to secure the caravan at Castle Archdale and have one year to raise the full £20,000 cost. However, they hope that, with a concerted fundraising effort, they can raise the £20,000 before April 2017.

Money raised by this week’s charity cycle will be the first to go towards Ellie’s Retreat. The family still intend to fundraise for H_ABC research in the future but Ellie’s Retreat will be their main focus until they reach their target.

“Ellie’s Retreat will offer a place to escape and have some anonymity, space and time together with the other members of the family,” continued Mrs. Nicholl. “It will hopefully be a step forward in the healing process. The mobile will be equipped with all the family’s needs and a small welcome pack of essential groceries will be provided on arrival. Linen and towels will also be included. We also hope to deck the outside and provide a barbeque with a seating area.”

In addition to the £20,000 for the caravan, the family estimate that yearly costs of £4,500 will also need to be raised on an ongoing basis to cover fees, insurance and a welcome pack and groceries worth £50 for each visiting family.

Appealing to locals to get behind the fundraising drive for Ellie’s Retreat, Mrs. Nicholl said: “You can help by organising coffee mornings at work or just by spreading the word that we exist so that we can reach out to bereaved families to benefit as we did. Or do you know a business that could provide vouchers to help families to enjoy their Fermanagh stay; money off coupons at restaurant for example? 

“Perhaps we could offer companies the option to sponsor a week at Ellie’s Retreat in return for some positive PR? We will also be reaching out to local businesses to help us dress the caravan to make it fit for a princess but we promise to go easy on the pink.”

Mrs. Nicholl concluded: “We believe it’s the only initiative of its kind on the island of Ireland, and the most beautiful way to keep Ellie’s memory alive is by helping others.”

More information on Ellie’s Retreat can be found on facebook: Ellie’s page.