“What was once a wish for folk in Orkney is turning into something simply phenomenal”

The hopes and dreams of an Orkney couple – Anna and Reuben Johnston - are turning into reality as their aspiration for building a retreat for residents affected by cancer or Multiple Sclerosis moves a step forward.

A fantastic community-wide effort has gone into reaching this stage whereby the design and plans will soon be submitted for planning approval.

It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for Anna and Reuben who came up with the idea of “The Peedie Retreat” – a home from home for those diagnosed and their families.

This is Anna and Reuben’s story.

“At the start of the first Covid lockdown in 2020 we were out for a midnight walk on Inganess beach when the idea came to us. Reuben was diagnosed more than 3 years ago with a rare form of bone marrow cancer and, while we were both missing our regular interaction with family and friends, we were grateful to live where we do with the beach right at on our doorstep. There wasn’t a soul in sight as we strolled and it felt like a little bit of heaven, a simply perfect setting,” Anna said.

“It was during this walk that the idea for the retreat was formed as we realised there are many folk across Orkney that aren’t as fortunate. Notwithstanding the pandemic, there are many people who can be isolated day in day out as a result of medical conditions through, not just disease progression, but as a result of treatments too, which can affect everything from welfare to physical and mental wellbeing. Reuben knows his prognosis could have been very different. He just got a lucky gene mutation that gives him precious time, but many others are not as fortunate.”

As they walked, Reuben reminisced about his beloved sister who sadly lost her battle to Multiple Sclerosis 10 years ago. He remembered fondly how much she loved the sea and the feeling of the sun on her face, and how she would have loved to be able to take a simple walk as they were now doing. And so the idea was formed and, during a very dark time for many folk, the enthusiasm and passion for the creation and development of an exciting new Orkney charity was born.

They decided they would try to raise funds to create a building at Inganess beach for MS and cancer patients in Orkney to enjoy a short break with their loved ones free of charge, with mobility aids incorporated so no matter the physical ability, anyone will be able to stay.

Sadly, after speaking with Macmillan and Multiple Sclerosis specialists , the number of folk effected in Orkney came as a huge shock to the charity. It has been indicated that over 250 people could benefit from a stay at the Peedie Retreat and this number does not include all partners, children, carers, or friends.

“The retreat may have been our idea, but once built, it will belong to the people of Orkney,” the couple said.

There have been many generous donations already – not just in terms of donations of money and materials, but people’s time.

The couple continued: “With the idea of building The Peedie Retreat firmly cemented in our minds, and before it was even at the stage of being registered, we sent an email to Colin Begley of Hús Architecture seeking some advice. Without hesitation Colin offered his creative genius, support and time to design The Peedie Retreat from scratch as a gift to the charity.

“This has proved to be no mean feat with nearly a year of work, planning, investigating and negotiating with medical experts, professionals and suppliers. Along the way Colin has been supported by Linzi Mowatt, from Macmillan, and Moira Flett, MS Advisor, and Ruth Lea, an Occupational Therapist with Orkney Islands Council. Their professional guidance blended with Colin’s creative flair has resulted in an amazing, innovative, and modern design that will be fully accessible for a diverse range of abilities and needs, incorporating forward thinking technology so all abilities will be able to enjoy a special time during their stay.

“We would like to send a heartfelt thanks to Council workers from the Building Standards Team.  At Christmas time every year they do a whip round for a local charity and most recently they decided to donate their collection of kindness to The Peedie Retreat. Jack Leslie has also selflessly donated the collection made in aid of his retirement from the Council to the charity.”

Our own Ruth Lea has been on the design team from the outset and led on all aspects of accessibility.

Anna continued: “Ruth has worked alongside Colin with many hours of investigating and advising now resulting in The Peedie Retreat’s plans to be a unique building to accommodate all levels of abilities. The main factor being all areas are disabled friendly with innovative mobility aids covertly hidden into the infrastructure, so ability is the focus. Ruth has helped Colin consider space requirements into every facet of the design both internally and externally, so regardless of stage of the condition everyone can enjoy the building, gardens and beautiful location at Inganess beach.

“The positive approach to the design has been a priority form the start, Linzi and Moira have also been on the design team.  All agreed when facing a diagnosis of cancer or Multiple Sclerosis, mobility aids may be of great help when the condition progresses to maintain an independent and full life, but this can be overwhelming and frightening at the beginning, and The Peedie Retreat is being designed to be suitable from diagnosis to palliative.”

Donations have also been made from Tom Drever from Pixelate Graphic Design who came up with the charity’s logo, Belle, from Best for Bathrooms Orkney, has offered the bathroom and design assistance for The Peedie Retreat once the building is erected and Kelly and Alan Scott of Nobilia German Kitchens the gift of kitchen units and finishes. OTE has donated a smart TV for the living room area.

The charity were delighted to receive a £10k boost from external funders to help make The Peedie Retreat’s outside space truly special and local landscaper and gardener Jack Moodie has offered his time to work his magic.

The couple would like to say a heartfelt thanks to all those who have been involved in any way so far and look forward to the creation of The Peedie Retreat.

Updates will follow on progress.