Coping with Cancer or Multiple Sclerosis can be isolating, scary, and at times overwhelming.   Living on an Island or rural location  far from family and support networks, makes it harder to manage.

The Peedie Retreat, an accessible house to be built at Inganess Beach, will provide a place where people can enjoy a break away from their worries and challenges of their medical condition.  A place of rest and recuperation,  to connect  with nature, a space to find new perspectives, inspiration, hope and a peedie bit of happiness. 

The Peedie Retreat is a charity organisation raising funds to provide this free to use facility in Orkney.

The inspiration behind the retreat is very personal to Reuben and Anna Johnston  the charity founders. Reuben has a type of bone marrow Cancer and although manageable,  it is not curable.  He still considers himself very fortunate as he may live a considerable time in good health.  Sadly, others who do not have such a good prognosis .  MS is also very close to the founder’s heart as their sister Margaret’s life was cut short with her battle to the disease , but  her tenacity, zest for life, love of family and nature will be reflected throughout the build in her memory.

Many local businesses, organisations and individuals have been donating to allow this wonderful retreat to be built. The Charity would like to thank all those who are supporting The Peedie Retreat.

Colin Begley from HUS Architecture has designed the building, with not only a stunning modern exterior but has spent months fine tuning designs  taking the highest level of consideration for all abilities,  privacy, and ingenious use of space to accommodate couples and families alike , whilst still giving a feeling of space, by using innovative space saving ideas all  whilst retaining a wow factor to make even the shortest of breaks an amazing experience.

Macmillan Specialist Nurse Linzi Mowat, Multiple Sclerosis and MND Advisor Moira Flett, Occupational Therapist Ruth Lea , have supported the design with professional advice. The retreat’s design has incorporated every consideration, to be  suitable  for every stage of treatment, from diagnosis to palliative.

HEAT ORKNEY: The Gray family from HEAT ORKNEY  have donated a state-of-the-art air source heating system , that ingeniously doubles up as an air conditioning unit to help keep a cooler temperature when that is needed.  This will provide the greatest comfort to those staying, as managing a core temperature can prove difficult as a direct result of  their medical conditions or treatment, as advised to the charity by medical professionals .  The system also has the additional benefits of a Bacterial filtration system which filters air born viruses such as COVID helping reduce the risk of catching additional infections during their stay.  This will be hugely beneficial,  as  when undergoing treatment, a person can become immune compromised.  This donation  will be wonderful for everyone staying,  that they can feel personal control of temperature, making their stay as comfortable as possible.  

Tom Drever from Pixelate Design designed and donated the logo and helped with  administrative and technical support. The Charity is creating a logo board, which will recognise all companies and individuals for their support.  This will sit  at the retreat and be promoted on all media.   

Belle Thompson from Better Bathrooms offered their services for  designing and providing a fully accessible bathroom. 

Jack & Vanda Moodie from J&V landscaping donated helping with the design of the fully accessible garden and recreational areas, whilst also  making  raised beds and sourcing planting for all to enjoy, perfect for all wheelchair users to enjoy the aromas and colours of the flowering plants.   This is being supported by a £10K grant which the charity successfully received from the Government Wellbeing post COVID Fund supported by VAO, which will be so helpful as all areas are  to completely accessible, with  large areas of decking.

The garden will also enhanced by a gift from Kirsten Ward from Wellpark Garden Centre.

Kelly and Alan Scott  from Nobilia Kitchens are working closely with Colin Begley,  designing and donating a  kitchen for all abilities , with rise and fall work areas , so wheelchair users can have full accessibility and enjoy all the facilities.

Fran Dearness  from OTE  offered a SMART TV for when the retreat is built.

OIC Building Control  did a whip round at Christmas and Jack Leslie donated his retirement whip round totalling £227.

Helgi’s ran a pub quiz over the winter months and raised a whopping £1136.

Karl Cooper local surveyor did a land Level survey.

Every part of the Peedie Retreat is truly being built by the Kindness and great Big Hearts of Orkney People,   so when you stay you will always know how much people really do care  A place where happy times can be had , family and friends can be together and treasured memories can be made.

We know this is an amazingly ambitious project , but with Team Orkney  Helping,  Amazing things are already happening, it simply  Orkney at its very BEST  

For updates visit The Peedie Retreat Facebook Page.