The Salvage Squad from Virgin Media TV come to Co Kildare this weekend

In a first for Virgin Media’s Salvage Squad, the team will undertake a very special renovation as they head to The Little Way Cancer Centre in Clane Co. Kildare this weekend to help this very deserving charity transform their reception area into a calm and welcoming space under the guiding hand of designer Peter Irvine.

And Cathy Angelini will transform a makeshift home treatment room into a serene, healing space.

Cathy will meet Barbra Hackett and her son Aaron, who are coming to terms with the loss of Ed, Barbra’s husband who passed away from cancer in 2020.

Just two years later, Barbra herself was diagnosed with cancer – she has had her kidney removed and has been living with cancer for the last four years. Seeking help, Barbra found the Little Way Cancer Support Centre.

The centre provides psychological, therapeutic and practical support to those affected by cancer. Here, Barbra was introduced to reflexology and reiki which sparked a personal interest in these therapies, inspiring her to become a Reiki Master achieving a Diploma in Reflexology.

Working from her home treatment room Barbra is keen to give back to both the community and Littleway, so Cathy Angelini comes up with a Japanese inspired design where Barbra’s clients can enjoy a calm and relaxing treatment – Barbra will ask her clients for a donation to Littleway.

Once the Salvage Squad heard Barbra’s remarkable story, they knew they had to help the charity in any way they could, and once Peter saw the reception area of Little Way a plan began to come together! The centre was founded in 2003 by Evelyn McKee who recognised that there was no support for those dealing with cancer. Evelyn herself passed away in 2021 and the centre is now run by her daughter Dearbhail and a host of volunteers from across Kildare.

Dearbhail says ‘For those affected by cancer, making that first step to walk through our doors can be a daunting experience. Having a warm, inviting and calming reception helps to create a safe space that is uplifting, setting the tone for the support and care that we can offer beyond the doors.

During the revamp the team will meet Jo Helps who turned to Little Way during her cancer journey. Jo was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024 and has since been given the all clear but she returns to the centre all the time for tea and chats!

‘Little Way gave me space to breathe, to be vulnerable, to pick myself up on the lowest of days to face another. To build relationships and share experiences with others on their journey. They helped to bring me back to life, to be the mother, wife, sister & friend my loved ones so deserved. Most importantly to be ME again. I have a wonderful team in St James’s who look after my body and Little Way look after my heart and my soul’.

Peter’s calming, nature-inspired design will beautifully enhance the main consultation space and with just three days to complete this mammoth task the whole community comes together to pitch in.

Tune into The Salvage Squad at 8pm, Sundays on Virgin Media Play and Virgin Media One.

The Salvage Squad is produced by Animo TV for Virgin Media Television with support from Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision scheme.

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