Couple’s Crete care home dream in jeopardy

Aug 3 2008 by Tom Mullen, Sunday Sun

TIME is running out for a couple trying to fulfil a dream inspired by their teenage daughter who died of cancer.

Julie and Ged Hoburn, of Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, want to set up a special holiday home on the Greek island of Crete, where youngsters suffering from the disease can escape for a sunshine break.

The idea was inspired by their daughter Sara, who benefited from a similar retreat in Hexham, Northumberland, before she died of a rare form of colonic cancer at just 16.

But her parents say they now fear the vision may never be realised after discovering the land they hope to buy is being eyed up by other purchasers.

The Greek landowners have demanded the Hoburns pay an immediate deposit of £15,000 to secure the sale . . . or face losing out to their rivals.

Julie, who is working full time on the project, said: “We just don’t know what to do.

“If we pay the deposit, they said they will give us another nine months to raise the full amount, but we need £165,000 altogether.

“We’ve raised nearly £30,000 so far, but we need to know we can definitely raise the total in nine months. If we missed it we would be heartbroken.

“We just know how much it would mean to all the children and their families if we achieve this.”

The Hoburns chose Crete after hearing of its reputation for being one of the healthiest places in the world.

A relaxed pace of life, good weather and healthy diet has seen the locals enjoying long life expectancy and low levels of cancer for decades.

The project — named the Sara’s Hope Foundation — achieved registered charity status in March and has received sponsorship from the likes of TV presenter Amanda Lamb of the Channel 4 property show A Place in the Sun.

The Hoburns visited Greece last month to inspect the land they are hoping to buy, and Julie says that has only intensified their desire to see the project through.

The 44-year-old added: “We have received so much support from people, but it would just be such a shame if we had to let it go.”

To get involved or make a donation, call Julie on 0191-253 2948 or visit www.sarashopefoundation.co.uk