LoveHope&Faith reveals retreat lodge vision for families with Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus

Mar 6, 2022
2 min read

Ballymena based charity LoveHope&Faith has revealed pioneering plans to build and establish a specialist retreat lodge for families who care for a loved one with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

Local couple, Darren and Emma McGinty, experienced the trials and tribulations associated with having a child grow up and deal with spina bifida and hydrocephalus daily.

Young Avah.

Darren & Emma’s daughter, Avah, was born in 2011 with Spina Bifida - a lifetime condition that unfortunately can lead to other complications. It, like any other disability, can have a massive impact on the individual and their family.

Inspired by their daughter’s strength and determination, the couple, along with Avah who is now 10-years-old, set up LoveHope&Faith. Young Avah will take over the full running of the charity when she turns 18.

Avah, now 10-years-old.

Now with the help of Andrew Wisener from MAW/Architects, the charity has took the next step in realising its vision to build a retreat lodge, and the McGinty family are excited by the impact and difference the lodge will make for those families who will be able to avail of the respite it will bring.

Commenting on the vision, Darren explained:

“As a charity one of our main aims is to build a retreat home for families with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus within their family circle.

“As a collective we would be the first charity in Northern Ireland to complete a project of this magnitude.

“Presenting 3D plans is our first milestone in this project, the second will be to have a completed business plan which includes a feasibility study by the end of May this year.”