Rainbow Valley is an idea inspired by the vision of Johanna MacVicar, a young woman who, in 1994, aged 16 years, was diagnosed with leukaemia. Like most people when first diagnosed, Johanna felt very out of control of her life, and the difference Rainbow Valley would have made to her, her family and friends would have been immense. She knew she had choices but gathering research, identifying options and seeking out the genuine people, therapies and support is a daunting task when you are so ill and desperate.

In 2005, Johanna sadly lost her fight against the illness. Johanna’s love of Rainbows has inspired those who loved her to bring together Rainbow Valley.

Johanna’s mother, Angela Macvicar and other members of her family joined forces to launch Rainbow Valley in July 2012. Through their focus and determination they have tirelessly raised awareness and built wide public support to bring together a determined and committed Board of Trustees, professionals, and supporters to deliver Johanna’s vision.

Rainbow Valley belongs to everyone affected by cancer. Once you have attended one of our courses or events, you will feel like part of the rainbow Valley family.

We provide the practical tools necessary to take a holistic approach to living with and overcoming cancer, addressing the psychological, emotional and physical needs of each individual and their support network. Using innovative and established therapies incorporating nutrition, exercise and relaxation, we devise and deliver courses in a tranquil setting away from the hospital environment.

Purpose

Educating people to take control of their cancer diagnosis by accessing new ways to thrive and survive. Ensuring everyone affected by cancer can access information on how to nurture themselves by embracing a holistic approach to their health.

Mission

To empower people affected by cancer to nourish their mind body & soul and take responsibility for their health.

Vision

That every person affected by cancer is given the tools for integrated physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

Values

These serve as guidelines for our conduct and behaviour as we work towards our vision.

Excellence

We are committed to excellence in everything we do; we are continually focussed on improvement, innovation and education and strive to exceed the expectations of patients, donors, volunteers and staff.

Integrity

Integrity is at the heart of all that we do. We are honest and ethical in all that we do, and engage in responsible decision-making that reflects the highest standards of conduct. This ensures that our credibility, leadership and use of funding is never in question.

Respect

We respect individuality and belief systems, the right to uphold the philosophy and personal choices of the cancer patient as a whole person, and to support these people, their family and friends through their cancer journey.

Ambition

We strive to be recognized globally.

Empowerment

It is our goal to empower patients physically and emotionally and to guide them towards a more seamless integrated and energising patient experience which encompasses orthodox treatment and complementary therapies. We recognize the need to empower our patients, their families, our communities and ourselves with knowledge.

Compassion

We are compassionate and caring toward people at all stages of cancer, their families, our peers, our communities and ourselves.

Accessible

We strive to create a place where anyone affected by cancer may enhance their quality of life through programs which complement hospital care and focus on the mind body and spirit.

Our Beliefs

We believe that learning from the experiences of others helps people live

Sharing time and being with other people is a human instinct. When we need advice, we ask someone with experience. Our courses and information we provide is experience and evidence based.

We believe that awareness of a full spectrum of approaches to confronting cancer will help people live longer, better lives

We welcome open discussion about any cancer fighting strategy because we believe everyone has a right to make their own decisions about their health.

We believe that individuals who take some responsibility for their health live longer, better lives

A cancer diagnosis is frightening, depressing and often overwhelming. There are medical terms we don’t understand and treatments we have never heard of. While conventional oncology is important, both traditional and non-traditional therapies can be considered and the many possible decisions surrounding a diagnosis ultimately rest with the individual.

Testimonials

This course has opened my eyes to thinking about ‘ME’ putting myself first. Learning new techniques to relax feel good and have laughter in my life again. As a visually impaired person I was included in every session and facilitators took time to look after me. The only thing I could suggest is enlarge written material were possible, I am fortunate to have some very useful sight and can use a magnifier. I really enjoyed watching Dare to bare was emotional but really good to hear how these ladies had the confidence to get up and strut their stuff. Well done to each and everyone of them. I don’t know if you would consider me for this as I am feeling really confident about myself after 7 steps course. I will definitely recommend this course to others. I will speak to my managers and suggest this course for our staff. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Rainbow Valley for giving me this chance to take part in the course. Also a great big thank you to Betty she is an amazing lady helped relax me also look out for me.

I wasn’t sure what the future held for me, now I know that I can directly influence my future by living well and I have the tools to deal with anything the future holds for me. Thank you!

The mindfulness course was everything I had hoped it would be. Edward is amazing. He makes you laugh and feel good and puts everyone at ease. He takes you from laughter to complete relaxation.

He makes mindfulness make sense and equips you with tools to take home to make it happen in your everyday.
I feel so blessed to have been apart of this experience. I affirmatively and positively was present in the moment and loved every minute of it.

There was a great feeling of being home on arriving at Ardoch. The familiarity instantly made you relax. Seeing familiar faces to welcome you was simply lovely. Having all the beautiful food again was a reminder and a gentle prompt and encouragement to eat a rainbow!

Thank you so so much for all your hard work. Thank you so much to Rainbow Valley for giving my mum and I not only special time together but also for equipping us with knowledge and skills to enhance our lives.
To be part of the Rainbow Valley family is a privilege. – Lou Collins

I really enjoyed the whole course in general, I felt everything had its place on the course and it was well planned out. Karen Phil & Betty were fabulous and took such great care of us. Also wee Ann and the chef were fabulous. We both left on an absolute high. Thanks again.

The support given by all was second to none all from rainbow valley made me feel valued and important , fabulous group of dedicated people !