Survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire have visited the Isles of Scilly for the first time thanks to the incredible work of a Cornish charity.
Cornwall Hugs Grenfell was set up by Esmé Page in June 2017. She had the dream of giving a Cornish holiday to every resident and firefighter’s family caught up in the tragedy, and recently her work has reached a big milestone.
The charity celebrated welcoming its 300th guest to Cornwall, five-year-old Adam Chaer-Yemlahi, by flying him and his family to the Isles of Scilly, thanks to a new partnership with the Isles of Scilly Travel (IOST), part of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group.
The family, who lost five family members to the fire, stayed in Marazion for the week and enjoyed the charity’s first day trip to the Isles of Scilly.
“Adam’s dream is to be a pilot with a guitar, so this was the perfect way to celebrate our milestone and look to his future - something so important for these children,” said Esmé. “We’re very grateful to IOST for making it happen and partnering with us going forward.
“IOST’s gift unlocks the tranquillity and hospitality of the islands to our guests, who are so in need of both.”
Adam, who came with his father Billal, mother Touraya and two sisters - Aziza, 12, and Salima, 8 - was welcomed into the cockpit by pilots Jack and Sam and even given a handy tip for his career path - ‘Work hard on your maths and physics and you’ll be OK’.
IOST’s pledge of transport comes at a significant moment as families prepare to give evidence at the public enquiry, which resumed on Monday (September 3).
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The islanders have a long history of welcoming strangers in difficult times and Adam’s family could not get over the peace and kindness they felt there, in just one day.
Billal, who lost his uncle, aunt and their three children who lived on the 21st floor, said: “There are no sirens here. You can just feel the peace settle all around you.
Reflecting on the benefit of the holiday, he later added: “It’s helped us enjoy ourselves individually and as a family, something we find hard to do due to the constant reminders of the Grenfell Fire where we live. It’s also allowed us to rest from the constant reminders and help us to relax.”
Island businesses and accommodation providers also offered help. Other than the Twin Otter flight, the family enjoyed other new experiences including a close encounter with the cows on Troy Town Farm, St Agnes, and the chance to sample its ice-cream, made just yards from the pasture. This was followed by a family kayak ride with St Agnes Watersports in the crystal waters nearby.
Rob Seddon, of St Agnes Water Sports, said he was really glad to be able to help.
He added: “I grew up in London and lived there but we can’t begin to imagine what they are going through. It’s good to be able to give them a bit of what we have here.
“There is no better feeling than seeing families having fun together on the water.”
With plans to bring more Grenfell families to Scilly during October and May half-terms, businesses and accommodation providers who’d like to join the vision are encouraged to contact IOST directly or register their pledge via CHG’s website: www.cornwallhugsgrenfell.org