MALCOLM Sargent House, then known as Golf House, opened its doors to it's first families in Easter 1989.

It was officially opened by Princess Diana on September 27, 1989 and consisted of just two flats with an amusement arcade and a shop in the grounds.

In 1988 Sir Donald Cameron of Lochiel launched a £250,000 appeal in aid of the house and along with the newly formed Ayrshire Committee and support of 40 volunteers, the property at 24 Links Road, was purchased in February 1988 for £150,000.

Refurbishments began and by January 1989 it had been transformed into three two bedroom suits: Ailsa, Arran and Pladda.

The resident house keeper also had a suite. All the furniture and playroom equipment were donated including hurley beds and all areas were wheelchair accessible.

There were two kitchen staff, three house assistants with additional weekend staff to cover the change over in families.

The support group raised funds for the house but also helped out with baby sitting duties when required.

In 1994, during one of the biggest early fundraising events was the CR Smith celebrity golf challenge, where 007 Sean Connery appeared to chat to families for an hour before jetting off to filming.

Golf House became part of CLIC Sargent's holiday service in 2005 when two charities – Malcolm Sargent Cancer Care for children and CLIC (Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood) merged.

It was named in memory of Sir Malcolm Sargent, the home which was established as part of a holiday service more than 45 years ago for young cancer patients and their families.

Over the years, thousands of families have been able to stay at Malcolm Sargent House and enjoy a holiday during or after cancer treatment in a stunning setting and relaxed atmosphere, meeting others and sharing their experiences.

Young people were also able to use the service, with the first teenage group staying in Prestwick in 1994, and Malcolm Sargent House was used for meetings of the charity’s Young People’s Reference Group in recent years.

Despite the devastating news, CLIC Sargent has stated is continuing to support young cancer patients and their families to access holidays and funding for holidays in the future.