But Pat Procter and her fellow charity fundraisers are facing a race against time to raise money to fund the haven on the Greek island of Crete.

Hartlepool-born Pat, 53, whose family moved to neighbouring Trimdon in her early years, was diagnosed with breast cancer around 15 years ago and moved to Crete with her husband, Jim, last year to help with her recovery.

The mother-of-two, who has had reconstructive surgery, said: "I had contracted cancer and my two children had grown up and it got to the point where I wanted a better quality of life."

After moving to Crete she worked freelance with a property developer where she met the parents of the late Sara Hoburn, who set up the Sara's Hope Foundation to open the holiday home for sick local youngsters and their families. Sara died from colon cancer, aged 16 in 2001.

Julie and Ged Hoburn, Sara's parents, from Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, have found what they describe as the "perfect location" and other members of the foundation have already helped to raise over £30,000 for the retreat and Pat is helping them to try and secure the land.

However, they need another £144,000 to secure the plot.

The landlord has given them nine months breathing space to raise the money.

While charity co-ordinator Pat is working with the Hoburns' lawyer to hold the land, the Hoburns have been organising a range of fundraising events back home in the North-East of England.

These include a sponsored family walk, which was attended by the Mayor of North Tyneside, Coun John Harrison, and a tandem skydive, and they hope to be half-way to the target by the end of September.

Pat, whose parents, George and Hannah Martin, live in Trimdon Station, said: "I think the target is achievable. We have had an excellent three months of fundraising.

"A lot of the children that will benefit will be from the Hartlepool and Teesside area, as a lot of children that go the Newcastle RVI cancer unit for treatment come from the area."

The foundation's next charity event is a sponsored skydive at Shotton Airfield on Sunday, September 14.

Anyone who thinks they can help the foundation reach their target or who would like to take part in the skydive can contact the Hoburns on (0191) 2532948.