October 12th will forever be one of the most special days in the story of Hannah’s Hope. The official launch of our respite lodge at Mercia Marina. After months of fundraising, planning, building, hoping, and dreaming, we finally opened the doors… and what a day it was.
A Day Filled With the People Who Made It Possible
For one of the most important milestones in our charity’s journey, we invited the people who have stood by us from the very beginning — our biggest supporters, our closest friends, and our wonderful family members. These are the individuals who helped us turn an idea into something real, something touchable, something healing.
The lodge was full, buzzing with conversation and warmth from the moment the first guests stepped inside. You could feel the emotion in the air, joy, pride, relief, disbelief. All wrapped up in the love that has built this charity from the ground up.
Seeing the Lodge Through Hannah’s Eyes
Although we’ve lived and breathed this project for months, Hannah saw the finished lodge for the very first time on launch day. Watching her step inside, taking in the bedrooms, the kitchen, the cosy lounge, the balcony, and even the hot tub, was one of the most powerful moments of the entire journey.
And she absolutely loved it.
Her smile reminded us exactly why this lodge exists. A place that doesn’t feel like a hospital. A place where young people can breathe again.
A Ribbon Cut With Courage
One of the highlights of the day was seeing Hannah cut the ribbon with fellow trustee and lifelong friend, Maisie. A simple gesture, but deeply symbolic.
It marked the official opening of the lodge, but it also marked the determination over every obstacle placed in her path.
The crowd erupted in cheers, cameras clicked, and a few tears were definitely shed. It was a moment none of us will ever forget.
Celebration Done the Hannah’s Hope Way
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Hannah’s Hope celebration without some real joy.
The champagne was flowing, plates were full of good food, and conversation filled every room of the lodge. Supporters shared stories and reflected on how far we have come, and expressed their excitement for the young people who will soon stay here.
All around us, laughter echoed through the rooms, filling the lodge with exactly the kind of life and positivity we always dreamed it would hold.
A Home Built by a Community
The most moving part of the day was this: we finally got to show everyone what their support had built.
Every raffle ticket, every car boot sale find, every bingo night, every donation — big or small — came together to create this beautiful, peaceful sanctuary for young people facing cancer.
Seeing the lodge full and alive with the very people who helped make it a reality was humbling beyond words.
The cherry on top of this fantastic day was a huge £10,000 donated by Derby City County!
A Future Full of Hope
Launch day wasn’t just the end of a project, it was the beginning of a new chapter. A chapter where teens and young adults going through cancer treatment will have somewhere to escape, rest, and heal.
To everyone who joined us, supported us, donated, worked behind the scenes, or simply cheered us on, thank you.
This lodge exists because of you.
With love and endless gratitude,
The Hannah’s Hope Team 💛
