KIDS with cancer will now escape to Cumnock with their families to make priceless memories.

The Prince’s Foundation and children’s charity Calum’s Cabin have joined forces to offer families living with cancer short getaways at a beautiful five-star self-catering cottage at Dumfries House estate in East Ayrshire.

Caroline Speirs co-founded Calum’s Cabin alongside her husband Duncan and daughter Jenna to provide holiday homes on the Isle of Bute for children suffering from cancer or a cancer-related disease.

Caroline and Duncan were parents to Rothesay boy Calum Speirs, who sadly passed away at the age of 12 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Calum had the idea, knowing he and his family lived in a beautiful part of the world,that children suffering from cancer could come to Bute for special getaways. It wold let the entire family cherish quality time together, make special memories, and recharge their batteries for what may lie ahead.

Now Dumfries House Lodge will offer an exclusive five-star country guest house with 22 luxury guest rooms and two self-catering cottages.

Cumnock Chronicle:

To tend to every need, the family-sized cottage is specially kitted out for each Calum’s Cabin break with staff on hand round the clock. Eight families have been referred through the children’s charity so far to enjoy a four-night stay free of charge.

Expressing her thanks to the team at Dumfries House, Caroline said: “To allow Calum’s Cabin families to be helped in such a special way is an absolute honour. For many of the families who have had this opportunity, their conditions would have been just too severe to get away on holiday, or to come to Bute, therefore Dumfries House is just perfect.

Sadly for some, it has been their final holiday together.

“The families have been blown away by their stays at Dumfries House. The peace and tranquility of the estate make it an ideal getaway and the staff could not have done more. Our families have come away from each break with unforgettable memories and a renewed energy and focus for whatever may come next. We are ever so grateful.”

Cumnock Chronicle:

Louis MacCallum, director of commercial for The Prince’s Foundation at Dumfries House, said: “Anyone who has met Caroline and Duncan cannot fail to be inspired into helping their charity in any way they can. Being a Buteman myself, I was already aware of the wonderful work of Calum’s Cabin in Bute and in Glasgow and was delighted to be in a position to help.

“Dumfries House Lodge is perfect for families looking to recharge their batteries.”