I expect many of you will remember the terrible tragic fire
that recently enveloped Grenfell Tower in west London …
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| I love this logo - so clever ... Cornwall Hugs Grenfell Holidays of Hope... says so much ... |
… who could have envisaged something as appalling as this
happening in this day and age … I’m not going into the details – suffice to say
about 80 people died … and the police are still investigating …
But at the time 280 miles away in Cornwall – and you know how
my heart could easily reside in the far west – a mother of two, Esme Page,
watched completely shocked as the information on the horror unfolded.
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| Cornish flags flying high for Grenfell |
This has left a whole community bereft … of a loved one, a
friend, neighbours and locals of knowing what happened, of trauma, with serious
injuries, of post-traumatic stress disorder from the effects of this ghastly
event … it is ongoing …
Esme set up a Facebook page “Cornwall Hugs Grenfell” … the
response was magnificent … she had posted:
“Imagine if we could put a Cornish holiday on the horizon of
every Grenfell resident and firefighter family: a time to rest, a time to let
our beautiful county bless these people and work its gentle magic.”
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| Cornwall travel poster from the 1920s |
… more than 200 pledges were received from local businesses – for
accommodation, vouchers for attractions and meals, transport, water-sport
opportunities, sight-seeing, et al …
The first holiday was hugely successful – the visitors won’t
ever forget the devastating effects of the fire, but could now have some recent
happy memories to share with each other and others …
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| St Michael's Mount off Marazion |
… the intention is to run the project until 2019 … providing
free holidays for those of the families and supporters who wish to take up the
offer …
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| Cornish Cream scone and tea |
… there were therapy sessions of massage, reflexology, sound
therapy, sculpture and singing workshops … local foods of cream teas, fish and
chips, ice creams, picnics on the beach … sightseeing trips to various sites …
It is just the sort of idea that should be sung out to the
world … reminding us that we can all help in the background – there’s always a
way to offer our comfort – there is a just giving crowdfunding link …
This epitomises We are the World people – who deserve to be
recognised … Esme Page with her two children (7 and 10) – more details can be
found in the links …
Thank you for participating in our monthly We are the World
Blogfest – please join us next month … here's the link to join us - Damyanti Writes ... this is her post after the Manchester bombing earlier this year.
Visit Cornwall - Cornwall Hugs Grenfell
Daily Echo - survivors take a holiday in Cornwall
Evening Standard - Grenfell Tower Survivors take healing holiday
Just Giving Crowdfunding site details - if you can give a little ... it would be greatly appreciated - the suffering and struggling on must be so difficult ...
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
50 comments:
Thank you so much.
Yet again the We Are the World Blogfest has moved me to happy tears. The very best kind.
Thank you so much for sharing this story of human love. Seeing the humanity in the other, knowing that we are all vulnerable, that each one of us just needs love and acceptance, needs our help.
I am co-hosting the #WATWB. My link is: https://drkillpatient01.wordpress.com/2017/09/29/watwb-mother-to-100000-children/
What an amazing and touching idea! To let the victims and those who were trying to help them know that people care about them and to give them a chance to relax and recuperate. Thanks for sharing this, Hilary.
Very nice tribute. I need to try a cream scone, never knew one could top them like that.
I love this. What a wonderful thing to do to help those who have lost so much and for those who came to help.
Wow! You've put tears in my eyes, and I haven't even had my morning tea, yet. Thank you. It's wonderful to hear of such kindness and love in the world. Exactly what we all need to hear... and do.
Have a wonderful weekend. Cheers!
This is a wonderful story that makes me think the world isn't such a bad place after all. Such kindness, such caring... so lovely for all.
Goes to show how good people really are in this world. Cornwall rocks!
Eish! As we say here in South Africa Hilary! Such a heart warming story of making an idea from the heart into reality. Our human race really knows how to pull out the stops. Well done Esme Page! And thank you for sharing it.
It's great when people care enough to help others. Now if only the rest of the world would latch onto this spirit of helping and giving we'd be living in a pretty good world.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
@ EC – it is certainly an uplifting project the Cornish have set up and one we can contribute to …
@ Peter – as you say we just don’t know what’s coming … but it’s wonderful when people step up and open their homes and hearts: we all need love and acceptance and then help … especially in the worst of times that Grenfell experienced …
@ Elizabeth – it was such a brilliant idea I had to write it up for us all to read. The people who took the offer up really seem to have benefited from the experience … it’s heart-warming to think about.
@ Steve – thank you … it’s just such a lovely set of gestures on behalf of so many. Oh Cornish Cream is just the thing … and with jam or golden syrup … very moreish …
@ Arleen – I agree it’s just such an amazing gesture – which so many joined in with and will continue to do so … it is just such a dreadful tragedy, which affected the community, emergency services, families and friends so much …
@ Susan – yes … the “and do” – we do need to emulate people like Esme and her friends in Cornwall … we can all do it and help others …
@ Ally – yes there are definitely lots of wonderful givers of their time - we don’t live in a bad world … we just seem to hear about all the negativity …
@ Joanne – thanks … Cornwall definitely rocks as far as I’m concerned …
@ Susan – thanks for the “Eish!” … that took me back to my South African days … us humans can at times definitely get it right … it’s getting more of us to share, give and lead to help others …
@ Lee - we do live in a good world ... we just to shout out more about it .. this is a wonderful blogfest ...
Thanks everyone … lovely comments – these WATWBlogfests are so wonderful – highlighting good in the world – cheers Hilary
Oh what a lovely heart-warming story Hilary. Kindness MATTERS, and it's so inspiring that one person can encourage a collective expression. One spark is all it takes to create a create something exponentially more powerful and beautiful.
What a great idea. With all the various tragedies in the world, so many can help in such a different way. Something to think about. Perhaps something to emulate.
Sometimes people literally need a personal touch as reassurance that someone cares. What a wonderful outreach.
This is brilliant. I love your statement about how we can all offer comfort. Yes, we can!
So many times there is bad news and people get discouraged - I think the world is good - and this is an example.
What wonderful story! As much as I read the BBC, I didn't see anything on this. (It must have been on there but so busy lately, I haven't time to read much.) Anyway, I am thankful to know of it now from you and I thank YOU!
I love inspiring stories like this one.
What an amazing story and one I have not heard about. In this day and age it is warming to know that people like this still exist. What a wonderful person.
Have a great weekend, Diane
@ Deborah - you're so right Kindness does matter ... and isn't it wonderful that Esme felt she could reach out in her community to set up this fund and get the project off the ground. She has certainly achieved that ... and given some families a degree of hope for their future ...
@ Liz - absolutely something to think about ... and if you can emulate that would be amazing - there seems to be tragedy in so many places ...
@ Lynda - it's an amazing outreach isn't it ... and the families and helpers will have benefited so much, as too the people who opened their hearts and gave ...
@ Tyrean - just something gentle like 'offering comfort' can mean so much to so many ...
@ Sandie - the world is good ... we just hear so much of the bad news unfortunately ...
@ Kay - there's a lot going on in the world at the moment - so much gets mentioned and thus I think we do miss things. It is inspirational isn't it - lovely idea which they fulfilled ...
@ Diane - isn't it wonderful the impromptu idea that came to the fore with so many others offering help, space, vouchers etc and being on hand to give ...
Thanks so much - Esme really has given the Grenfell survivors something special to hold onto as their lives move forward ... cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary. Lovely post. Cornwall is very beautiful. My sister and brother in law were visiting there last week looking for a property to buy. Have great weekend. Kim
What a brilliant idea and such a kind gesture. Thanks for letting others know it's going on. Hugs....RO
What a great idea! I hadn't heard about this. If it had been a bit more well spoken of, in the newspapers and such, there might have been even more response. But this is wonderful!
The Hobbit: A New Edition
What a wonderful story Hilary - I must share this on my Facebook page too.
Wonderful gestures...
It never fails to amaze me how communities rally round in times of need...
...and now I need a jam & cream scone.
Writer In Transit
#WATWB #InDarknessBeLight
What a wonderful sentiment. I have never heard of that level of compassion--to provide a vacation. We're struggling here with the afteraffects of two hurricanes. Life will not be the same for many for a long time.
@ Kim - Cornwall is wonderful isn't ... how lucky your sister and BIL will if they can find a property down there ... great place to visit?!
@ RO - it is extraordinary that such a great idea became a reality ... Esme deserves much in her life ...
@ Sue - I'm not sure why it suddenly came to the fore ... I expect it was well known in some circles - but I'm sure more people will have given and committed to give - there will be other holidays for the families and their supporters ...
@ Fil - thanks for sharing on your FB page ... I must get myself organised with one at some stage ...
@ Michelle - it is a just such a wonderful gesture ... and it's been followed through by so many helping and offering space, time, vouchers etc ...
Cornish cream scone with jam would be good - I agree to that!
@ Jacqui - this was an horrific happening ... and these people need a lot of support ... but the Cornish through Esme offering so much to give them something cheerful to think about is just brilliant.
Life will not be the same for many - we can all help in some small way - cheers Hilary
Helping each other is the way we should go . . . lovely post. I'm sure this initiative will bring a little happiness to many.
Those events are tragic. It is strange how it takes extreme tragedy to bring humans closer. Have a lovely weekend.
Really heart-warming! Tragedy sometimes brings out both the best and the worst in human behaviour. Well done Esme and family.
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s exultant Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
What a wonderful idea - but having an idea is one thing. Having the drive and skill to put it into practice is another. This lady obviously has both in spades. I’ve made a small donation, thank you for drawing this to my attention.
@ Suzanne - helping each other is the way to go - you're right there ... I'm sure the initiative will help many and give them some happy times ...
@ Murees - yes Murees it seems tragedy does bring us closer ... somehow we need to help those in need ...
@ Bazza - I agree ... well done Esme and family ... and it is heart warming to think about ...
@ Anabel - they have come together as a community of like-minded peoples to offer some peace and change of situation to ease the pain of the survivors ... thank you so much for the donation - it all helps ...
Thank you all who will remember the Grenfell sufferers and all who give hope to those in need ... cheers Hilary
What a beautiful idea. Thank goodness for people like Esme in the world.
We are all able to help in the background, absolutely! And I love how people come together, when others need them most.
Thank you for sharing this great act of humanity am sure that it will catch on in lots of other places around the globe.
It seems only in the darkest twilight does the light of humanity really start shining through. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this - in turn, I am sharing on social media. When I lose faith in humanity, I need t read stories like this. The Unknown Journey Ahead agingonthespectrum.blogspot.com
A wonderfully human story. It's marvellous to know such compassion and generosity are still around everywhere.
That must have been so heartening for the Grenfell residents. Both the beauty of Cornwall and the beauty of human kindness.
Sure shows what great people can do and shows that the news and all its scare tactics doesn't mean the world is truly scary.
This is a touching story indeed, Hilary. I'm glad you're participating in the We are the World Blogfest. I participated in it a while ago too. These stories of humanity leave us with hope for a better world.
What a wonderful, wonderful idea! A healing holiday away from the destruction, the chance to regroup and assess and recharge in order to carry on... That's a beautiful thing to do for people in distress. Much respect to Esme Page and her family, and much gratitude to you, Hilary, for sharing this with us!
Guilie @ Quiet Laughter
@ Nick – Esme has been inspirational with hope and care for the Grenfell survivors who were able and who will be able to take advantage of some of Cornwall’s hugs …
@ Rosey – yes, every little thing we can do to improve others’ lives is just brilliant to read about … and people do come together when there are victims in dire need …
@ Mel – I do hope the concept catches on … it was such a brilliant outreach idea …
@ Robert – it’d be great if it was commonplace … but the light of humanity lurks in us all: we need to share it and let it out …
@ Claudia – thank you for putting it out on social media – it does inspire hope in humanity … so many tragedies happening …
@ Val – you’re right … it is a fantastic human story showing us her compassion and the generosity of the community around her …
@ Curtis – I’m sure the Grenfell residents were heartened with the offer … and I expect many of the others will be wanting to follow up and join in for the next one – it has to be over half-term or in holiday time …
@ Pat – there is hope and compassion in us all – which seems to be required so often now …
@ Vinodini – thanks for coming by … and I know you used to participate – hopefully you’ll be back … but you’ve been having some amazing travels recently with your clever son …
@ Guilie – it was such a great idea wasn’t it and your comment says it so well … a healing holiday away from the destruction … happy memories to share once again – which, one hopes they’ll be able to regroup somewhat as life goes on …
Thank you so much all of you for visiting … and relating to this wonderful story of generosity by the people of Cornwall for the grieving and suffering of those impacted by the terrible events of Grenfell – really grateful to see so many of you – cheers Hilary
I agree with you, Hilary, it is so great when we see that many people offering comfort to other people. I agree too with Vinodini words: "these stories of humanity leave us with hope for a better world."
PS: Thank you so much Hilary for your sweet congratulations on my 12º blog anniversary. I am glad you are my friend. Many hugs.
What an amazingly cool idea. If any place could be instant therapy that's Cornwall! :)
Never ceases to amaze how people reach out in a crisis. The world is so much kinder than the media would have us believe. In spite of everything that's going on.
What a beautiful tribute, adding a little light to their darkness. Thank you so much for sharing this and being part of #WATWB!
What an absolutely beautiful idea.
Wonderful post for WATWB... Thank you for sharing! Aloha!
@ Sonia - wise words from Vinodini ... reading these stories of goodness and hope - we leave feeling humanity does have many wonderful loving people .. and - congratulations on 12 years of blogging ...
@ Nila - yes ... just going to Cornwall always gives me a feeling of peace and serenity away from the travails of the world. These acts of offering others a place of refuge a brief respite from the tragedies inspire us all ... the media does go on about all the negativity ...
@ Belinda - thank you ... Esme really has set a standard for us to look up to - as many of the #WAWTB team already do - so we set examples ...
@ Holly - isn't the project just amazing .. .
@ Paula - thank you ...
@ Vicki - so glad you appreciated it ...
Cheers to you all - WAWTB is just a wonderful initiative for us all to join in with highlighting examples of compassion we usually have never heard of ... thank you for commenting - Hilary
This is absolutely beautiful. Love the outpouring of kindness that people showed. Thanks for sharing this with us. :) We can do so much good when we work together.
~Jess
@ Jess - I was so delighted to hear about the amazing offer from Cornwall - one that has certainly helped some of the Grenfell folk get some equilibrium back ... such a tragedy. We definitely can do so much when we work together ... as you suggest. Cheers and thanks for this visit - Hilary
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