Mannok was delighted to join forces with other local companies to aid with the upgrade of Ellie’s Retreat to a bigger and better site at Castle Archdale.
Ellie’s Retreat, which was founded and is managed voluntarily by Ciara and Billy Nicholl in honour of their daughter Ellie, is a local charity that provides free family holidays in Fermanagh for those who have suffered the loss of a child.
A bigger site meant that it was an opportunity to reimagine the plot with bereaved families in mind, and it was a chance for local companies including Mannok, Balcas, AG Outside Rooms and Encirc to come together for a DIY SOS style makeover.
Mannok’s involvement in the project, which was brought together by Balcas, included tarmacking the entrance area, providing real curb appeal befitting of the surprises that now lie beyond the gates.
Paula McCaffrey, Marketing Manager at Mannok explains why they wanted to be involved in the upgrade.
“As a company that is embedded in the community, it is important for us to help out where we can, and we recognise the vital role that Ellie’s Retreat plays in offering families who have lost a child an opportunity for a respite break and a chance for a bit of normality during the most difficult of times. Mannok was delighted to join forces with other local companies in this initiative by using our products and expertise to supply and install tarmac around the retreat.”
Prior to that, AG Outside Rooms had taken the lead in digitally designing the nearly 90m2 recreational space with the expertise of their Landscape Designer, Ronan O’Dowd. They then brought this version to life with the help of team members John Simpson and Cormac O’Neill, showcasing several hard landscaping products from the company’s range.
Una Mallon, HSEQ Business Partner at AG, said: “We recognise the significant impact that charities like Ellie’s Retreat have on families facing challenging times, and we are honoured to have been asked to contribute to the sanctuary they have founded. In partnership with some excellent local companies, we have developed an accessible and inviting environment for families in need of respite.”
The whole outdoor area will no doubt be best enjoyed in the summer months but as families visit from March right through to October, it’s important too that the inside is just as cosy and welcoming. Up stepped Encirc who unsparingly sponsored the retreat’s heating for the entire season.
Encirc Communication & PR Manager, Mark Conway, commented:
“Encirc is delighted to play a role in what has been a great collaboration by local businesses to help Ciara and Billy upgrade Ellie’s Retreat for the latest stage of this wonderful charity’s journey.
“We have nothing but the highest admiration for the Nicholl family for having the foresight and courage to create a haven for those people suffering the loss of a child and dealing with unimaginable grief. It is a very fitting tribute to their own much loved and missed Ellie. We sincerely hope that Ellie’s Retreat continues to go from strength to strength.”
Once the outdoor work was completed, Balcas got in on the act by supplying the decking and timber to create a raised entrance, full-length platform and additional seated area from which to enjoy the hustle and bustle from the front vista. Balcas is extraordinarily grateful to Brendan Bogue and Sean McCarron who volunteered many hours to again create the finishing touches to add value to this now enviable property.
Roisin McManus, Communications Manager at Balcas, added:
“It is a genuine joy to see our products being used to help with initiatives that are important to our team – as Ellie’s Retreat is. This brand-new site at Castle Archdale provided us the unique opportunity to bring other manufacturers on board to showcase what, together, local manufacturers can achieve and help those dedicated to helping others.”
Ciara and Billy Nicholl are grateful to the local companies for their help in completing the retreat and to the general business community who support them on a weekly basis through the provision of groceries and other treats to add value to their deserving visitors.
Ciara Nicholl said: “We could not do what we do for families without the support from our local community, and for that we are truly grateful. We are sincerely humbled by the local companies who have provided their technical expertise which has resulted in the beautiful, tranquil space which Ellie’s Retreat is today. It is not a road that anyone wishes to travel but with your support we are all helping bereaved families on their journey. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to you all for your continuing support.”
