For over 30 years, the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust has been a beacon of hope and support for thousands of patients and their whānau (family), providing vital accommodation and care through Rānui House. Nestled in Christchurch (a 2 minute walk from Christchurch Hospital), Rānui House is a 26-room apartment complex dedicated to offering shortterm residential accommodation for whānau when their loved ones are required to go to Christchurch Hospital for lifesaving medical treatment.
Mandy Kennedy, Chief Executive of the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust describes Rānui House as more than just a place to stay.
“At the heart of Rānui House is its ability to make a positive and lasting difference for both the patients and their supporters”.
Mandy explains that the beauty of Rānui House is it welcomes individuals of all ages and various treatment needs. “It’s a place where people on similar yet unique journeys can connect. Here they find solidarity in shared experiences and mutual support during the more challenging moments”.
Allowing the patient and their whānau to remain together while treatment is being undertaken has been proven to be a key part of patient recovery. Just ask Steve and his wife Jane, residents of Queenstown who stayed at Rānui House for 159 nights while Jane was undergoing lifesaving stem cell treatment.
“Knowing Steve was able to stay just across the road from the hospital is something I will be forever grateful for”, reflects Jane.
“I don’t think I could have done this without him. It’s been so important to have him on this journey with me”.
Steve said he will never forget the kindess they experienced at Rānui House.
“It is so much more than just a roof over your head, it was our home away from home and we will never forget that special place”.
Community Trust South was proud to grant the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust $20,675 in 2023/24 towards an accommodation subsidy so families like Steve and Jane can be together when it matters the most.
“We served 20 families for an average of 33 nights for each stay from the Community Trust area (collective total of 656 bed nights) for the 2023/24 period”, said Mandy.
“We are just so grateful for our longstanding relationship with Community Trust South”.
As demand for Rānui House grows, the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust is thrilled to announce a significant development. Construction is nearing completion for Rānui Apartments, a new purpose-built facility comprising 43 self-contained apartments, set to open its doors in November 2024. This $18.3 million project represents a monumental step forward in fulfilling the Trust’s mission to never turn away a patient or family in need of accommodation in Christchurch.
