An Ayr beach house designed to allow families to have time and space for their child’s cancer treatment has officially opened in Ayr.

Daniel’s Beach House is a luxury, ground floor apartment near Ayr’s beachfront built to help the families of children going through cancer treatment. The house is complete with two bedrooms, a lounge and a dining area and kitchen diner.

The House was built by the Doing it for Daniel Foundation, a charity set up in July 2021 in memory of Daniel Caplin from Newton Mearns in Glasgow. In May 2020, aged 16, Daniel complained of headaches and his family noticed he was walking with a very slight limp.

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At Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Daniel was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour called DMG/DIPG – a terminal brainstem tumour that mostly affects children.

Sadly, Daniel died on November 30, 2020, seven months after diagnosis.

During his illness, Daniel decided he would like to raise money for children dealing with a cancer diagnoses when he recovered. Daniel wanted to raise money for brain tumour research and to give others the chance that he didn’t have.

Daniel’s family and friends have continued on with his wishes through the Doing it for Daniel Foundation.

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And Daniel’s parents hope the new beach house in Ayr can help those families who are going through a similar story.

Parents Brian and Alison Caplan told the Advertiser: “The day went well, social workers and other people came to view it as a respite resort for potential visitors.

“Ayrshire Cancer Support came as well; it was a great opportunity to showcase the property.

“We’ve got four or five bookings in place in the coming weeks and months, we get a lot of referrals form medical social workers and nurses.

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“This is the final piece of what we’re doing as well as offering special gifts, experiences, days out and holidays to children and young people with any kind of cancer.

“We’ve spoken to a few local businesses who can help families that visit the house.

 “Pirate Pete’s have been amazing, the local Domino’s pizza as well, Renaldo’s ice cream are giving us a discount.”

Local businesses are being encouraged to help the Foundation and the new house with anything that they can give to support the families.

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“Sometimes families have such a lack of money that they ask for practical things like an ironing board.” Brian continued.

Businesses should contact alison@doingitfordaniel.org.uk or brian@doingitfordaniel.org.uk if they are looking to help.

For more information on the Beach House and the Doing it for Daniel Foundation, visit doingitfordaniel.org.uk