This is something I have been helping promote and quoted in. Me and my family really benefitted from our stay at Paul's Place. Its a wonderful charity and run by truly inspiring people. If your in North Devon go along, if not tell people about this wonderful opportunity for young adults who need it to have a great break. Lucy x
7th September 2011
GEORGEHAM TO GO ARTY TO RAISE AWARENESS OF PAUL’S PLACE
Arts Festival will aid new charity providing breaks for young adults facing bereavement or a life-threatening illness.
Georgeham Arts Festival will raise awareness of Paul’s Fund and Paul’s Place, a charity and B&B retreat centre that opened its doors earlier this year. The festival will inspire this picturesque village just inland from Croyde, with live music and a vibrant art and photography exhibition the weekend of 16-18 September.
Paul’s Fund and Paul’s Place provide a chance for young adults, who are experiencing bereavement or a life-threatening illness, to have a much needed break on the stunning North Devon coast. The death of their 19 year old son Paul, from a brain tumour in 2008, motivated David and Pippa Morton to move to Georgeham to bring comfort to others and set up a B&B which is also used as the retreat and has self-catering facilities.
The weekend of free events will kick off with an evening of live music at the Kings Arms Pub on Friday 16th. The Polarities and Rhythms exhibition, opening on Saturday evening, features North Devon artists such as published illustrator Miriam Latimer and painter Paul Kenton. It will also profile some of Paul Morton’s own photography, and submissions from recent fine art, graphics, illustration and film graduates, as well as the local Georgeham Arts Group. Visitors can browse the collection or purchase pieces and are also invited to visit Paul’s Place for a cream tea on Sunday afternoon.
The Arts Festival is organised by some of Paul’s old school friends from Bristol to support his parents in the venture and raise funds to help other young adults in difficult life circumstances.
A close friend of Paul and co-ordinator of the exhibition, Jo Stockdale,23, spoke of her motivation for being involved and the passion she has for Paul’s Place: “My father died of a brain tumour when I was a teenager, so I really understand the value of ‘time out’ from everyday life to rebuild lost strength. This is why I wanted to organise a fundraising event. The focus on 18-30 year olds is so important. Often this age bracket is neglected among respite charities. Let’s enable more young adults to stay at Paul’s Place and get the rest and recuperation they need.”
David and Pippa Morton said: “It is a delight to host such a positive event which enables us to let people know about our facilities and the vision”
David added: “Paul was an unassuming young man, but he was musical, and had a gift for painting and photography. He loved the outdoors, whether biking, hill walking, kayaking or surfing. In our location visitors can lose themselves in peace and solitude, or enjoy the buzz of activity along the coast, it is all very fitting. We are passionate that Paul’s Place is more than just accommodation for a holiday but somewhere special that will be a source of strength, hope and positive memories for all who come, whatever their circumstances.”
Since the opening in April, Paul’s Place has seen a number of people benefit from the respite. Lucy Cooper, 28, stayed for three nights with her mum and sister: “Our Dad died last September and months before this Mum had been diagnosed with secondary bone cancer. While at Paul’s Place we celebrated her 56th birthday, which doctors had said she would not reach. The break was exactly what we needed – a chance to spend time together in a relaxed and beautiful place.”
Polarities and Rhythms will open at 7pm on the 17th September at Georgeham Baptist Chapel, EX33 1JJ, with refreshments provided. It continues on the Sunday 18th from 12-5pm with cream teas available at the Old Bakery (aka Paul’s Place). All art sales and donations will go directly to the charity. For more information about Paul’s Fund and Paul’s Place, visit www.pauls-fund.co.uk
Wednesday 7 September 2011
Saturday 25 June 2011
A Birthday rest
On the North Devon coast in the beautiful village of Georgeham, is Paul’s Place, a B&B retreat to enable young adults who have been bereaved, face diagnosis of a life-threatening illness, or are carers, to enjoy a respite holiday and a break from everyday life. Myself, mum, my sister and brother-in-law spent 3 nights in this wonderful place and it was all as it is aimed to be - a place of beauty and a chance to rest and relax. Best holiday in ages in a really caring evironment where you are really looked after.
While we were there we celebrated Mum's birthday, a birthday doctors said she would not reach. She has been doing remarkably well and the medical profession are quite seriously suprised that she is not much worse. We are grateful for this stability and she felt so happy to be alive and with us. I believe that all the prayers are helping. She said she felt special again by being cared for so well.
 |
| David, Mum and Pippa |
Paul’s Place is run by an inspiring couple who have beome our friends, David and Pippa Morton. Since their 19 year old son Paul’s death in 2008, David and Pippa have dedicated their lives to helping others, particularly young adults like Paul, who are facing diagnosis of a life-threatening illness or who are processing grief after losing a loved one. Their vision was became reality in April this year when they opened Paul’s Place, in memory of their son.
David said: “Throughout his illness, Paul demonstrated a quiet determination to get on with life, sustained by his Christian faith. His sense of fun and concern for others has encouraged us to care for those in similar circumstances. Pippa and I understand the importance of a break from life’s pressure and we strive to provide somewhere special and hopeful for all who come, whatever their situation.”
 |
| Sister and Mum |
The desire to channel their grief in a positive way began with the creation of a charitable trust called Paul’s Fund in 2009 and led to the couple leaving Bristol to set up the new venture earlier this year. Young adults under 30 can apply to Paul's Fund for a grant to cover costs of a week’s stay at Paul's place, alleviating any financial concerns. Please pass on this information to anyone who it could benefit - I intend to. http://www.pauls-fund.co.uk/
We had a fab time on the beach, in the sea and doing walks. This trip gave us a chance to create new and positive memories together as a family.
Thursday 26 May 2011
Isn't that just too morbid?
It was Dying Matters Awareness week last week. They produced these findings:
"Although the majority of us think talking about death is less of a taboo than it was 20 years ago, two-thirds of us say we are not at ease discussing it, according to the survey.Only 16% of us have discussed with loved ones where we would like to die, only 18% of us have talked about the type of care and support we want at the end of our lives, and very few of us have discussed whether we have made a will or the type of funeral we want. It also revealed that most of us have used euphemisms as a way of avoiding using the words “death” and “dying”. The most commonly used being 'passed away' and 'deceased'."
A spokeswoman from Dying Matters said: "Although someone in Britain dies every minute, our research has found that many people do all they can to avoid talking about dying. Unless we talk openly about dying and death we won’t be able to get the care and support we want, where we want it at the end of our lives.”
I have to say I agree there seems to still be a taboo about death and some people talk about it as little as they possibly can - or are constantly treading on egg shells. However, the healing and grieving process and acceptance often start through talking about these deep experiences and feeling free to cry a lot. Why would there be so many bereavement counsellors if this were not the case? I know everyone is different but certainly for me talking about it at the appropriate times really helps.
As I grew up our family seemed more open about death than others and there was even a list on the notice board for each of them - requests for their funerals. Occasionally people express shock and I think some think it morbid for morbidity's sake. But we know there are important reasons for this - so that those surviving would be confident, informed and peaceful about the decisions for the funeral and to be truthful and open about our own mortality. Knowing what matters most to them and the legacy they would like to leave is really helpful.
Plenty of people are uncomfortable thinking or talking about death or even spending time with a grieving person maybe because of fear, because they feel it's unnaturally morbid or it makes them feel vulnerable. Obviously this subject - more than most - touches on our vulnerability.
This weekend I spent time with my Grandad (93) who is recovering in hospital after a severe fall. Being so elderly these things are not always free from complications. We had a really special time even though we all missed my Dad. I knew it wouldnt be long before Mum asked Grandad about his favourite hymns.
I think, through my experiences so far, I have become more matter-of-fact about these things - I know my mother has! I always joke that she should set up funeral consulting - but seriously - she is great at asking people (often the elder among us) whether they have written their will or funeral requests down. Hand in hand with this is her even greater openess to discussing God with friends.
At the visit Grandad was perky and gracious just like Dad. The way he spoke about the hospital was so similar and they were concerned about similar issues. He went to great lengths to emphasise that all the good stuff in his life was "God doing it - not me at all." The whole time concerned about everyone else being ok and providing for his family - exactly the same.
In a life threatening situation or serious illness - we have a need to convey our truest and deepest feelings to them before they die - how much we love and value them. Sadly not everyone gets that opportunity - that is a reason to appreciate people in your life and not take them for granted.
We shouldnt be afraid of death- I know this isnt easy because so much is tied up with it like pain and sadness. But take an opportunity to think about what you think happens when we die. If you know Jesus and have the secure hope and confidence of new life after, death has no ultimate sting - despite very painful earthly grief.
My dream is to live my life to the full, unafraid and trusting, with open hands and pointing to Jesus all the way. This may take more than a lifetime to achieve - but I am always a work in progress.
2 Corinthians 4:18 (New International Version)
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
"Although the majority of us think talking about death is less of a taboo than it was 20 years ago, two-thirds of us say we are not at ease discussing it, according to the survey.Only 16% of us have discussed with loved ones where we would like to die, only 18% of us have talked about the type of care and support we want at the end of our lives, and very few of us have discussed whether we have made a will or the type of funeral we want. It also revealed that most of us have used euphemisms as a way of avoiding using the words “death” and “dying”. The most commonly used being 'passed away' and 'deceased'."
A spokeswoman from Dying Matters said: "Although someone in Britain dies every minute, our research has found that many people do all they can to avoid talking about dying. Unless we talk openly about dying and death we won’t be able to get the care and support we want, where we want it at the end of our lives.”
I have to say I agree there seems to still be a taboo about death and some people talk about it as little as they possibly can - or are constantly treading on egg shells. However, the healing and grieving process and acceptance often start through talking about these deep experiences and feeling free to cry a lot. Why would there be so many bereavement counsellors if this were not the case? I know everyone is different but certainly for me talking about it at the appropriate times really helps.
As I grew up our family seemed more open about death than others and there was even a list on the notice board for each of them - requests for their funerals. Occasionally people express shock and I think some think it morbid for morbidity's sake. But we know there are important reasons for this - so that those surviving would be confident, informed and peaceful about the decisions for the funeral and to be truthful and open about our own mortality. Knowing what matters most to them and the legacy they would like to leave is really helpful.
Plenty of people are uncomfortable thinking or talking about death or even spending time with a grieving person maybe because of fear, because they feel it's unnaturally morbid or it makes them feel vulnerable. Obviously this subject - more than most - touches on our vulnerability.
This weekend I spent time with my Grandad (93) who is recovering in hospital after a severe fall. Being so elderly these things are not always free from complications. We had a really special time even though we all missed my Dad. I knew it wouldnt be long before Mum asked Grandad about his favourite hymns.
I think, through my experiences so far, I have become more matter-of-fact about these things - I know my mother has! I always joke that she should set up funeral consulting - but seriously - she is great at asking people (often the elder among us) whether they have written their will or funeral requests down. Hand in hand with this is her even greater openess to discussing God with friends.
At the visit Grandad was perky and gracious just like Dad. The way he spoke about the hospital was so similar and they were concerned about similar issues. He went to great lengths to emphasise that all the good stuff in his life was "God doing it - not me at all." The whole time concerned about everyone else being ok and providing for his family - exactly the same.
In a life threatening situation or serious illness - we have a need to convey our truest and deepest feelings to them before they die - how much we love and value them. Sadly not everyone gets that opportunity - that is a reason to appreciate people in your life and not take them for granted.
We shouldnt be afraid of death- I know this isnt easy because so much is tied up with it like pain and sadness. But take an opportunity to think about what you think happens when we die. If you know Jesus and have the secure hope and confidence of new life after, death has no ultimate sting - despite very painful earthly grief.
My dream is to live my life to the full, unafraid and trusting, with open hands and pointing to Jesus all the way. This may take more than a lifetime to achieve - but I am always a work in progress.
2 Corinthians 4:18 (New International Version)
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Wednesday 9 February 2011
You've got the love
I am so so priviledged to have friends who are like my family. I dont think everyone can say they have that. They accept and love me as just as I am. Like the Bridget Jones quote - not less emotional or thinner or prettier? No, just as you are. Wow - I am so grateful!
I spent the weekend with people who do just that and I became a Godparent too. Then on the Monday, instead of feeling sorry for myself like I nearly did, I just arrived in a family home and just fitted in with the proceedings as if it was normal. Tea, kids, homework, games and chat - such a delight.
I just heard 'You've got the love' on the radio. I love it. It is still really popular and it has been covered more than 3 times, most recently by Florence and the Machine. Obviously it is a song with a clear Christian message but everytime I hear it - it really speaks to me too. The theme behind the song is one of uplift and empowerment.
There are times when feelings overwhelm and I do feel like giving up and cant see the point of trying to keep going . Quite recently it has seemed hard to keep going with normal everyday things - I get distracted and spaced out - finding decisions a challenge.
However, these lyrics remind us never to give up on hope. Circumstances change, friends can change or let you down but God is good always.
These words reminds me that I really do believe, with all my heart, that He has the love I need to see me through anything that I am faced with and every feeling I can possibly ever feel.
Maybe think about what these words mean to you, if anything. Go on - feel the love!
You've got the love - lyrics
Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air
I know I can count on you
Sometimes I feel like saying "Lord I just don't care"
But you've got the love I need To see me through
Sometimes it seems that the going is just too rough
And things go wrong no matter what I do
Now and then it seems that life is just too much
But you've got the love I need to see me through
When food is gone you are my daily meal
When friends are gone I know my Saviour's love is real
You know it's real
You've got the love
You've got the love
You've got the love
Time after time I think "Oh Lord what's the use?"
Time after time I think it's just no good
Sooner or later in life, the things you love you lose
But you got the love I need to see me through
You've got the love
You've got the love
You've got the love
Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air
I know I can count on you
Sometimes I feel like saying "Lord I just don't care"
But you've got the love I need to see me through
I spent the weekend with people who do just that and I became a Godparent too. Then on the Monday, instead of feeling sorry for myself like I nearly did, I just arrived in a family home and just fitted in with the proceedings as if it was normal. Tea, kids, homework, games and chat - such a delight.
I just heard 'You've got the love' on the radio. I love it. It is still really popular and it has been covered more than 3 times, most recently by Florence and the Machine. Obviously it is a song with a clear Christian message but everytime I hear it - it really speaks to me too. The theme behind the song is one of uplift and empowerment.
There are times when feelings overwhelm and I do feel like giving up and cant see the point of trying to keep going . Quite recently it has seemed hard to keep going with normal everyday things - I get distracted and spaced out - finding decisions a challenge.
However, these lyrics remind us never to give up on hope. Circumstances change, friends can change or let you down but God is good always.
These words reminds me that I really do believe, with all my heart, that He has the love I need to see me through anything that I am faced with and every feeling I can possibly ever feel.
Maybe think about what these words mean to you, if anything. Go on - feel the love!
You've got the love - lyrics
Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air
I know I can count on you
Sometimes I feel like saying "Lord I just don't care"
But you've got the love I need To see me through
Sometimes it seems that the going is just too rough
And things go wrong no matter what I do
Now and then it seems that life is just too much
But you've got the love I need to see me through
When food is gone you are my daily meal
When friends are gone I know my Saviour's love is real
You know it's real
You've got the love
You've got the love
You've got the love
Time after time I think "Oh Lord what's the use?"
Time after time I think it's just no good
Sooner or later in life, the things you love you lose
But you got the love I need to see me through
You've got the love
You've got the love
You've got the love
Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air
I know I can count on you
Sometimes I feel like saying "Lord I just don't care"
But you've got the love I need to see me through
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)