This new documentary discovers a log cabin nestled deep in the Mourne Mountains called Narnia where these young people can visit to reflect with others who have been through the same illness and treatment as themselves.
Lost In The Moment follows the lives of young people living with the stark reality of cancer. At such young ages these people coped with the demands made on them by the disease both physically and emotionally and sees them facing up to their own mortality. The documentary also meets their families who talk, some for the first time, about their own emotions and how they faced up to the disease.
The story revolves around Narnia, the log cabin set up by the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children, and it is the focus for much of the activity throughout the documentary. The 24 berth log cabin has being specifically designed for young people and named after the imaginary world created by author C.S. Lewis. It is a place where the young people can relax, unwind and share their experiences. It is a place to think and heal.
Pat Kidd, manager of Narnia has become very close to many of these young people. She says: “These things do happen, we have to go on with life and be there for others. This life can be very cruel and sometimes very kind. That’s what this place is all about, loving and just being with them, losing as well, but still being part of them.”
The story is narrated by one of the contributors, Maria Turner, a 20 year old drama student from Saintfield, studying at Magee College in Londonderry. She was diagnosed with Leukaemia at seven years of age. The documentary follows her life over the year, visiting Narnia, going to college and visiting the hospital where she was treated for the leukaemia. Her outlook on life is very positive. “Life’s too short to waste moaning or being down about things. Get out and do it and have fun and live your life because you never know what is going to happen” Maria says.
Also contributing is 22 year old Gerard McAuley from West Belfast who
was diagnosed with Cancer in 2005. The help which Narnia has given him is
immeasurable. He says: “The log cabin is an unbelievable place. To
be honest it has changed my life very dramatically. It is a place where I
can go down and reflect on my own thoughts with people who have been through
the same sort of illness and treatments as I have.”
Producer Clare Delargy says: “It was a privilege to work with these
young people who trusted us enough to tell their stories. The production
team and myself felt humbled by what they have already faced in their young
lives. The kids are without exaggeration truly inspirational. Also inspirational
is the The Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children who raised the finances
and built this most wonderful log cabin called Narnia in the heart of the
Mourne Mountains. We salute them all.”