The Peedie Retreat is almost a third of the way to being  created for Orkney people facing the challenges of Cancer or Multiple Sclerosis to access a short break Free of Charge.  

The response in Orkney has been amazing towards the development of this much needed facility. In May an astounding £10,355 was added to the funds which now stand at £97,500, bringing this inspirational building closer for Orkney .

May’s also included an incredible donation from The Orkney Mission, a well-loved Orkney charity which sadly disbanded after over 25 years of helping many families across Orkney. The Orkney Missions donated £5,000 to The Peedie Retreat.

The Orkney Rotary Club District 1010 Royal celebration & Coronation Tea raised an astounding £2125.

Helgi’s Pub Quiz events donated £1136 in 2022 and £1,200 in 2023 bringing their total to £2336.

Angie Johnston from Fabrications and Soft Furnishings Orkney cleverly never wastes materials from her fabric business and offcuts are offered for donations, raising £230.

Caroline Critchlow Orkneys Gardening Guru previously raised £2,000 through her open garden event and has agreed to donate  these funds to help create the outside garden and recreational space.

Previous fundraisers included: Repsol, Friends of Stonework’s Orkney ,Orbital Marine, Peedie Cubbie , Macmillan Cup, Kirkwall ladies darts, TESCO,  Orkney Arts & Crafts in last year’s BIG Hearted Raffle bringing in £11,500 towards the total. All events , fundraisers and donations have created a phenomenal  community fundraising total £33k

Local grants have been awarded from NHS Endowment , Government Wellbeing, Repsol and RF Slater Trust  to the value of £12,500.  

Orkney businesses have donated £52K in build materials, design, time and specialised equipment. Donations came in from Colin Begley  HUS Architecture, Belle Thomson  at Best for Bathrooms Orkney, Kelly & Alan Scott at Nobilia Kitchens, The Gray family HEAT ORKNEY, Ryan Coltherd Electrician, RS Merriman’s Electrics, Mark Groundwater Painter & Decorator and Peter McKinlay from Bains Decorating supplies, Wellpark Garden Centre, Mc EWENS Furniture , PIXELATE Designs , J&V Moodie and many others supporting the interior

OTE donated 2 TVs and family films and have pledged a washing machine and tumble drier. Jewson have  supportedthe project with build  costings with the aviator service and additional future support too,  McEwen’s furniture, and Jake Croy  flooring are also supporting The Peedie Retreat. 

Inside the building the interior will benefit from donations from Alison Moore Underwater photography , Jane Glue, Clare Gee, Fursbreck pottery, Sensi and many more. This takes the Peedie Retreats build fund total to a completely phenomenal  £97,500 all in the last 1 year and 4 months,  taking the dream closer each day.

With a build fund of estimated over £286,000 this does not include all the enhanced accessibility, specialised equipment,  but the build itself and some of the landscaping, as exteriors areas are still under design. The organisers want to thank all the community for their support, we feel we are not alone .  

The charity continues to be busy applying for funding,  and support at every opportunity. All the money raised helps the funding providers understand the communities commitment towards the project, and it is hoped this may result in some support, especially for the BIG BUILD !  Once the build is complete to fundraising will continue for  the actual service delivery, and additional enhanced outside mobility aids and play equipment for kiddies. The charity wants to make each stay , to give a lasting wonderful memory and boost to everyone’s wellbeing.   

The project has been hit by the rising cost in materials but despite this the vibe is a positive one because of the exceptional support they are receiving locally.

Colin Begley has drawn up the architectural plans , designs and building warrant drawings as a donation with the support of Ruth lea , Linzi Mowatt and Moira Flett and the Peedie Retreats committee, 

This Peedie Retreat will be a place where Orkney people facing the challenges of Cancer or Multiple Sclerosis,  to come with their families, friends and loved ones, to be together and enjoy a break FREE OF CHARGE to have a little time away from their worries and challenges, they face to rest, recuperate and connect with nature to find inspiration, hope and a Peedie Bit of Happiness.