Malcolm's Retreat
Free Respite and Wellbeing Breaks
Malcolm’s Retreat has been created through a combination of the fundraising efforts of The Malcolm Whales Foundation and incredible community support.
This page has been divided into 5 separate sections:
Section 1 – The Story and Timeline
Over the last 24 months TMWF has been fundraising for Malcolm’s Retreat in Pidley, Cambridgeshire.
In April 2024 the build started and was finally completed in November 2024.
This project is the biggest TMWF has ever undertaken and will deliver our most significant direct impact.
- The Facebook page here shows the journey from it’s very beginning and includes all the recent updates
- The webpage charts the ‘story’ from its very beginning to its conclusion: Click Here: TMWF’s Lakeside Lodge… becomes Malcolm’s Retreat : The Malcolm Whales Foundation
I hope you enjoy seeing the journey unfold.
Section 2 – A massive thank you!
The funds to enable us to make this happen have been the result off all the fundraising TMWF events, including the annual Dorset Walk (now in its 17th year) and multiple other amazing events such as netball tournaments, marathons and pool & golf Competitions.
We have also received other support in the shape of financial donations, free materials and considerable amounts of people’s time.
On behalf of TMWF, and on a personal level, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed – it really is something quite special.
Damien
Below we would like to recognise everyone who has contributed:
Our incredible volunteer tradespeople:
- Roger Shakespeare www.rshakespearekitchens.co.uk
- Liam Peacock www.peacockplumbingheating.co.uk
- Matt Nash www.nashelec.co.uk
- Rob Balchin (plastering)
- Fraser Hutton Stamford Carpet Co – Flooring Experts in Stamford
- Lou and Jack Skidmore (painting and decorating)
- Matt Brown Brown’s fencing and landscapes
- Installation of gas James Manning www.premiair.org
Material Donations
- Wood for the Decking – Travis Perkins (Jonathan Hannaby)
- The composite Decking – Lee Hartless
- Kitchen units – £500 discount from Howdens
- Kitchen and Bathroom goods for free – ParkerRose Interiors http://www.parker-rose.co.uk
- Electrical goods from GDA Electrical Wholesaler Ltd (gdawholesaler.co.uk) in St Ives
- Art work – David Brown, local artist
- Signage – Karen McGlade, Michael Murray Signs
- Installation of gas James Manning www.premiair.org
Financial Donations
- NFU £6500
- George Munns £1000
- Multiple other donations from friends, family and TMWF supporters
Section 3 Register your interest
There are two options available:
- Respite Breaks for families affected by Cancer
- Wellbeing Breaks for people who support those impacted.
Via the link below you can find out a lot more detail about the lodge and how a stay might work. You can also complete the form to officially register your interest.
Click Here: Malcolm’s Retreat: Register your interest : The Malcolm Whales Foundation (tmwf.co.uk)
The link will take you to further information:
- How to register your interest
- The dates available
- Additional guidance including the terms and conditions.
Click here for Malcolm’s Retreat Promotional Video
Section 4 – FAQs
- Where is the Retreat? PE28 3DF, Pidley, Cambridgeshire. what3words: confronts.impact.lend
- Are there any costs? The break is completely free.
- How long can we stay? A week, a mid week break or a weekend.
- What are the available Dates? Section 3 shows the available dates.
- Who can I ask to prove my eligibility to stay? Wellbeing – a colleague that you work with. Respite – your doctor/nurse who cares for you. Details of what is needed are on the request form.
- Can I bring my pet? Up to 2 well behaved dogs are permitted. The lodge sits by a quiet fishing lake.
- How many people can stay?
In regards to comfort, space and facilities we recommend no more than 4 adults per stay and a maximum of 5 people. If needed, the lodge can accommodate a 6th person by using the trundle bed – please note this compromises space. Bedroom One – 1 x king bed; Bedroom Two – 1 x single, 1 x bunk bed (with 1 x pull out trundle underneath if needed).
- Are bedding and towels provided? Yes and for the kitchen a dishcloth and tea towel.
- How do we access the fishing peg? It is located at the bottom of the lodge to the left of the decking area. Private to the retreat so just for guests to use. There are a handful of steps to reach it – if mobility is an issue we can arrange a different fishing peg for you to use.
- Is the retreat nonsmoking? Smoking is not permitted in the lodge or the outside decking area.
As we receive additional queries we will continually update this list.
Section 5 – Make a donation and enable others
Beyond the setup costs there are a range of additional costs that the charity incurs to offer the breaks free of charge.
These are the obvious maintenance, cleaning and utilities costs that are ongoing.
Your donation could help provide a free break for a family.
Many thanks
TMWF