A Cornwall-based holiday letting company is offering families affected by cancer the chance to enjoy much-needed respite breaks in some of the region’s most scenic coastal locations, including Bude.
Aspects Holidays has partnered with the charity Something to Look Forward To, which provides free gifts and experiences to individuals living with cancer and their loved ones. Since the partnership began in 2022, around 40 homeowners associated with Aspects Holidays have generously donated stays in their properties to support families facing the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Many have continued to donate regularly.
One such family is that of Alex Moore, a 47-year-old breast cancer patient from Essex. Diagnosed in 2016, Alex discovered in 2022 that her cancer had spread to her spine. After enduring months of hospital treatment, surgery, and intensive physiotherapy, she has had to relearn how to walk.
Alex and her family recently enjoyed a week-long holiday at Serenity, a coastal property in Bude provided free of charge through the partnership. Accompanied by her husband Ben, their teenage sons Max (18) and Jayden (14), and Max’s girlfriend Paige, Alex described the trip as a vital morale boost.
“You can’t put a price on how important it is, not just for me but for my whole family — especially my husband, who has been holding everything together,” Alex said. “My hospital visits are every three weeks, and I have scans every three months. You feel like you’re living between those appointments, waiting for good news. Being able to get away and make memories together makes all the difference.”
During their stay, the family enjoyed traditional seaside activities, with the children playing in the sea while Alex relaxed on the beach. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “You have to make the best of what you’ve got. It’s easy to feel down about such a tough situation, but I’ve been given a chance to live, and what’s the point if you’re not living? This holiday meant so much to us.”
Francesca Abery, managing director of Something to Look Forward To, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from Aspects Holidays. “We’re delighted that Alex and her family could enjoy a break in Cornwall. The generosity of companies like Aspects allows us to provide holidays that help alleviate some of the physical, mental, and financial pressures cancer brings.”
Mandy Spencer, commercial director of Aspects Holidays, added: “We are extremely thankful to our network of holiday home owners whose generosity makes these respite breaks possible. We hope more owners and local businesses will join us in supporting families living with cancer.”
