Creating the first Hannah’s Hope Respite Retreat for teenage cancer patients
“Pinelog were great to work with and advised us all the way. They went out of their way to make sure Hannah got what she wanted for the lodge’s guests.” Gail Iredale
When Derby-based charity Hannah’s Hope set out to create a peaceful haven for teenage cancer patients and their families, they turned to Pinelog, the trusted Derbyshire manufacturer behind every luxury timber lodge at Mercia Marina Village and Park.
The result is the East Midlands’ first dedicated Respite Retreat for teenage cancer patients, offering comfort, tranquillity and space for healing beside the water.
A peaceful haven
The idea for the retreat came from Hannah Roberts, a 22-year-old from Derby who was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer, Glioblastoma, in 2022 when she was just 19. After months of gruelling treatment at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre and time spent on the Teenage Cancer ward, Hannah wanted to give back; to create a space where other young people living with cancer could rest, recover and reconnect with themselves.
Her mum, Gail Iredale, remembers the moment inspiration struck: “I visited Mercia Marina and saw how beautiful and serene the marina was and then I saw the lodges and thought they were perfect for families. It’s a whole different pace of life here. Its beauty, tranquillity and the stunning Pinelog lodges makes it ideal for a respite retreat.”
On securing the plot at Mercia Marina, Gail and Hannah were then introduced to the Pinelog design team.
A partnership built on purpose
Working closely with Gail and Hannah, Pinelog helped turn Hannah’s vision into reality. offering expert design advice and practical support throughout the process, even discounting the lodge to help make the charity’s dream possible.
“We took a lot of guidance from Hannah in the design of the lodge,” said Gail. “Pinelog were great to work with and advised us all the way. They went out of their way to make sure Hannah got what she wanted for the lodge’s guests.”
Designing for comfort, dignity and accessibility
The result of this partnership is a bespoke, luxury three-bedroom Pinelog timber lodge designed with accessibility and comfort in mind.
Inside, the lodge features widened doors and hallways to accommodate people with mobility issues, along with extra space in the master bedroom and bathroom for ease of movement and space for an additional person if assistance is needed.
The open-plan living layout allows guests using mobility aids to move freely, while ensuring the interior feels light, spacious and homely.
“We purposely didn’t install a fully accessible bathroom,” explained Gail. “That was very much Hannah’s wish as she wanted the lodge to feel like a complete break from hospital. Instead, what we’ve created is space for a wheelchair and a second person if help is needed.”
Thoughtful touches
Every detail in the lodge has been considered with care. There are three bedrooms, two with double beds and one with twin beds, designed to ensure that young patients can enjoy the same comfort and intimacy as home, even at advanced stages of treatment.
Local businesses also came together to furnish the lodge, donating everything from blinds and curtains to a bespoke £3,000 settee, treated for durability to withstand years of use.
Outside, a hot tub – included at Hannah’s insistence – provides a therapeutic space for guests. “The hot tub was non-negotiable for Hannah,” explained Gail. “Being in warm water was the only thing that took away the pain from her chemotherapy treatments. We’d love to eventually incorporate an infrared sauna into the lodge – that’s next on our wish list.”
A community effort, made possible with Pinelog
The lodge was made possible thanks to 18 months of tireless fundraising by Hannah’s Hope, supported by grants, sponsorships, and generous donations from JCB, Repton School, East Midlands Airport, the National Lottery, and many others. Mercia Marina also provided a rent-free shop to help the team sell donated goods to reach their funding goal.
On Sunday 12 October 2025, the Hannah’s Hope Rubus Lodge was officially opened at Mercia Marina, marking the start of what could become a national movement to create Hannah’s Hope Respite Retreats across the UK.
“The dream is to have a Hannah’s Hope Respite Retreat in every region. It’s been an absolute whirlwind of a journey getting to this stage,” said a delighted Gail. “People have just been incredibly generous with their time and money, and I am so happy with what we have achieved collectively.”
A lasting impact
The Hannah’s Hope Respite Retreat now offers free stays for teenage cancer patients receiving treatment at Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, and their families. It provides the gift of time, rest, and togetherness, a haven for the whole family away from hospitals, where young people can feel like themselves again.
For Pinelog, it represents more than a project; it’s a partnership that reflects their values: considered and thoughtful craftsmanship, and design that truly makes a difference.
Creating a national network
Fundraising continues for Hannah’s Hope. With eight teenagers diagnosed with cancer every single day in the UK, one Respite Retreat is not enough to provide the support that these young people and their families need.
To donate to Hannah’s Hope visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/hannahshopeatmerciamarina
To discover more about Pinelog’s full luxury timber lodge range, get in touch today on 01246 942 842 or contact us here.
