Sara's Hope Foundation was formed in 2007 in the memory of Sara Hoburn who lost her battle with cancer in 2001 at Newcastle's RVI.

When Sara was just 14 she wrote a book, 'My journey through cancer' which she hoped would help children and teenagers in a similar position to remain positive.

Sara loved her holidays especially in Greece and after her treatment finished in 2000 she enjoyed three family holidays.

She was awarded a Brave Heart award for her tremendous and warm spirit and a holiday in the destination of her choice.

Sara chose Disneyland Florida for her younger brother, Mark, but sadly never made the trip as she suffered a relapse late in 2000 and lost her battle in January 2001.

Sara's family and friends now plan to raise funds to buy a property in Crete to refurbish to make it suitable for use as a holiday retreat for young cancer patients in the UK and their families.

The Souda Bay area was chosen as it is only 30 minutes away from Chania Airport and a modern and well established hospital with plans to build a specialist unit for children with cancer in the area within the next year and there are English speaking doctors nearby.

When this was brought to the attention of the Rotary Club of Wansbeck, they decided to do their bit to help, culminating in the launch of an appeal to all clubs in the north east.

The Rotary district governor, Ron Goodwin, has lent his support to Sara's Hope Foundation as one of the main charities he wishes to support during his term of office.

And members from the Rotary Club of Wansbeck will, in February, make a privately funded visit to Crete to forge closer links with the local Rotary Clubs on the island.

For more information about the charity, visit www.sarashopefoundation.co.uk