Hanse 355 raffle for Bear Cottage - still time to enter!

by Jeni Bone on 4 Jul 2011 The story behind the newly christened Hanse 355, 'Harry's Story', is echoed tragically in many more similar stories around the state. Fortunately, the team at Windcraft devised a phenomenal raffle idea to generate funds and awarenss of the tremendous work of Bear Cottage - the only children's hospice in NSW. And there's still time to enter!

Life is not easy for Jo and Troy Edwards. Five years ago their world turned upside down when daughter, Kirrilee suffered a catastrophic brain injury from an undiagnosed illness. Kirrilee went from being a normal nine year old to a child needing 24 hour care.

The impact on the whole family was huge.

The Edwards have six other children Tarsha, Shavonne, Brooklyn, Mackenzie, Connor and Bailey.
Because Kirrilee is like a new born baby and bed-ridden the Edwards can never go out as a family. The children really miss out on having fun. For two fornights each year the Edwards stay at Bear Cottage as a family. This is their only chance for a break.

'For two weeks twice a year it becomes all about our other kids and not Kirrilee,' said Jo
'They get to have fun. They can go bowling and to the movies. There's even a play therapist for them at Bear Cottage. And we can relax knowing Kirrilee is being cared for by the nurses at Bear Cottage. Troy and I can even get out for a meal.'

Saturday 2 July, after the Christening of 'Harry's Story', Team Windcraft took the Edwards out for a spin on a Hanse 545. The family are from the Blue Mountains and had never been on a boat before.

Jo and Troy clearly loved seeing her kids having fun. It was a perfect day to be out on Sydney Harbour watching the yacht racing and looking for whales and penguins.

Well over half of the 5000 tickets are now sold, which means every cent from ticket sales now goes directly to Bear Cottage.

It costs over $2.5 million per year to keep the doors of Bear Cottage open. Buy a raffle ticket from Team Windcraft and help Bear Cottage make a difference.

The Hanse 355, now known as 'Harry’s Story' is a stunning, modern cruising yacht. She performs well and is great fun to sail – the self-tacking headsail makes sailing a breeze.

The yacht is named after a gorgeous young boy called Harry whose journey ended just a few weeks ago at Bear Cottage, the only children’s hospice in NSW.

This 35 foot yacht is also comfortable and luxurious. Down below you’ll find a spacious well-ventilated saloon, 2 private cabins and a separate shower.

It will be a very lucky prize winner indeed who sails her off into the sunset for just $100!

Buy tickets at http://355forbearcottage.gofundraise.com.au/