Barretstown celebrates 10th year of therapeutic recreation

There wasn't one sad face yesterday at Barretstown Gang Camp where former campers and their siblings climbed 50-foot high ropes, took zip lines across a river and participated in arts and crafts classes to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the therapeutic recreation centre near Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare.

"The high ropes are brilliant but a bit scary," said Declan Molloy (12), who attended camps at Barretstown during treatment for leukaemia in 2001, 2002 and 2003. "When I got sick, I lost my self-confidence, but in Barretstown they helped me build it back up again. This place really is magical. I feel brilliant now but I go back to the doctor every six months for a check-up."

Kayleigh Clancy (12), whose sister, Catriona (5) was diagnosed with a brain tumour four years ago, attended a siblings camp for two consecutive years. "When I came to Barretstown, I didn't feel as if I had to keep everything to myself. I met other children who had siblings with the same illness as my sister," she explained.

It's like coming home," smiled Niamh Bannon (16), who began her recovery from Hodgkin's disease in 2000. "I haven't looked back since."

The children were back at Barretstown as the charity opened its doors to demonstrate the style and content of the camps held throughout the year. Founded in 1994 by the American actor Paul Newman, Barretstown became the first Hole in the Wall Gang Camp outside the US.

The aim of the camps is to help children diagnosed with serious, life-threatening illnesses to build up their self-confidence following sometimes gruelling treatments. Respite weekends for families and sibling programmes are also held there.

Paul Newman provided an initial £2 million in start Barretstown, but the running costs now come from charitable donations.

"We are looking for longer term sponsorship and funding options," Jenny Winter, Barretstown chief executive told The Irish Times.