A charity hero who devotes his life to making memories for sick kids has defied Covid by creating a Scots holiday haven.
John O’Byrne invested almost all of his foundation's funds into a seaside retreat when the pandemic put a stop to the life-changing trips and experiences he creates for poorly children.
And yesterday little Olivia McCord, a young cancer sufferer who lost her limbs to sepsis, became the first guest to arrive for a sunshine break at specially-adapated “Shangri la” in Ayrshire, also know as “the happy place”.
John, who spent much of his childhood in hospital suffering from brittle bones, said the venture would finally give sick kids a safe holiday experience after enduring more than a year of lockdowns.
He said: “What my foundation aims to achieve all went out of the window because of Covid, which was really tough.
“One of the biggest expenses for us was concerts, football and trips away. I’m used to sending kids to Disneyland and Lapland, but we can’t do that just now.
“Even though things are slowly getting back to normal, it’s still not safe out there and we can’t be sending vulnerable kids into these environments for a while yet.
“This is a safe environment where families can be together in their own social bubbles and have a great time.
“This will mean a lot to so many families in hospital.”
The £36,000 van at Sandylands Holiday Park, which is kitted out with a mobile hoist and ramp for wheelchair access, has been funded by dedicated supporters and assisted by donations of items by the likes of footballers Scott Brown and Kieran Tierney.
John, who set up The John O’Byrne Foundation six years ago, said: “I’m so grateful for everyone’s support and now they can see exactly where all of their efforts and money has gone over the last year or so.
“This has been a year of planning and we’ve invested pretty much everything we have into this and done a lot of work to get it right for the kids.
“But this will be used by many, many needy families and unfortunately for some children it may be their last holiday so we wanted to make it as special as possible.
“In the next year we will focus on fundraising to keep this going and we hope some sponsors will come on board.”
Brave Olivia from Clydebank, arrived in style by limo for her break yesterday with mum Sammie McCann.
The four-year-old was a toddler when she was diagnosed with leukaemia as she battled a bout of sepsis that robbed her of both hands and feet.
The youngster is still undergoing intense treatment but is learning to dance and ride horses thanks to prosthetic limbs.
Sammie, 26, said: “Olivia is so excited about getting away for a wee holiday.
“We’ve packed her swimming costume and will definitely go to the beach. She’s buzzing to run about and pick her room in the caravan.
“John has been amazing to our family and it was so kind to invite her to be the first to enjoy the caravan.
“So many families will get to enjoy this and it’s an escape away for many who really need it.”
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