20 years of Respite Accommodation for Cancer Families

2024 marks the 20th Anniversary since the opening of Bradley's Place.

Since 2004, Bradley's Place, near Victor Harbor, has welcomed hundreds of families, supported by the Childhood Cancer Association, needing respite accommodation.

Sadly in 1991, Neil and Robyn Walker lost one of their twins, Bradley, to cancer at the age of four.

The Walker's devastating experience helped them to realise how important support systems were for other families facing similar problems. They turned the impact of their tragic loss into something positive and became actively involved in supporting the work of the Childhood Cancer Association.

With funds raised by the Walker family and their fundraising group, the Six State Challenge Team, Bradley's Place was opened, in honour of their son Bradley.

Childhood Cancer Association Chief Executive Cath O’Loughlin says every year the Association helps more than 400 families.

“Our respite accommodation, at Bradley’s Place, is just one of 30 vital support service that we offer to families who have a child with cancer," Ms O’Loughlin says.

"Families can enjoy a peaceful haven away from some of the stresses and demands that come with childhood cancer.

“Bradley's Place is also a special place for some families to remember a child they have lost to cancer.

“We’re so grateful to the local community who have embraced Bradley’s Place and are incredibly thankful to all the volunteers that have worked tirelessly for the past 20 years to make Bradley’s Place such a wonderful place for families to stay.”

Bradley’s Place has been supported by local community groups and businesses including Rotary Club of Victor Harbor, Zonta Club of the Fleurieu Peninsula, McCracken Country Club, Glow Heating and Cooling, Urimbirra Wildlife Park, VictorFish, Victor Harbor Farmers Market and Hotel Crown.

Bradley’s Place has also been proudly funded by Alexander Symonds, Datacord SA, the SA Power Networks Employee Foundation and private donors.

To acknowledge this special occasion, we invited supporters and donors to an open house in September for morning tea and to see our latest renovations.