When Caiden, 12, found out he was joining us on a Dreamflight UK activity holiday to Calvert Lakes, in March 2025, he felt “very excited but very nervous”.
Mum, Jade, explained that the holiday was Caiden’s first time away from home since being diagnosed with brain and spinal tumours in 2022, which left him paralysed. He was nominated for the Dreamflight holiday by his oncologist, due to the traumatic changes he endured. Jade shared: “Caiden needed help with everything before he went, so this was going to be a big obstacle for him to tackle.”
Thanks to his can-do attitude and the support of our wonderful volunteers, Caiden embraced his time at Calvert Lakes. He took part in activities outside of his comfort zone and made new friends who were “chatty, friendly, funny and cheerful”. He particularly enjoyed the zip wire, cycling and visiting animals at a nearby wildlife park.
Volunteer guide, Mark, who cared for Caiden during the trip, explained: “Caiden found his condition very challenging when he was diagnosed several years ago. He got to a point where he told himself that nothing was going to stop him from having fun and laughter. He started throwing himself at everything that came his way. That was exactly what he did on the zip wire at Calvert – he threw himself off the platform, singing his lungs out to the tune of his favourite song!”
Caiden’s time at Calvert Lakes was more than just a holiday – it was a chance to prove to himself how much he’s capable of and to strengthen his positive mindset. He shared that he was sad to leave once it was over and that he felt “more independent and stronger”.
Jade reflected on the experience, saying: “Dreamflight has taught Caiden to be the person he wants to be. It brought him so much joy and showed him that he still has a lot to live for. It has left a positive mark on him and is an adventure he will never forget. You have taught him to shine again.”