10 years on: First family to stay at Rotorua retreat reflects

In August 2007, in the space of three days, Joshua Coleman went from being a happy 8-year-old to being rushed into surgery to remove a brain tumour.

The life of the Coleman family changed immediately in those three days and in 2009 they became the first to stay at the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat in Ngongotaha.

Now, as the retreat marks 10 years since the sods were turned and Joshua marks six years cancer-free, the family look back on their time at the retreat.

In 2009 the Coleman family - Mike Coleman and Donna Bloore with sons Stephen (left) and Joshua (right) - became the first to stay at the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat. Photo / File

After being diagnosed with stage four medulloblastoma Joshua, now 18, had surgery which left him unable to walk, talk or even hold his head up.

He took his first steps a month after the operation, then had 30 courses of radiation and 13 months of chemotherapy.

The Lynmore family was chosen as the first to stay at the new retreat, just days after Joshua cut the ribbon to open it on February 14, 2009.

Mum Donna Bloore said it was a welcome break at the time.

"It was good to spend time with family away from all the needles, injections and chemotherapy. It was just family time," Bloore said.

"They had a lot of bikes, kayaks, and activities in the home. We found it really relaxing, it was so nice to have time out and not worry about anything."

Josh Coleman in 2010, age 10. Photo / File

Joshua's dad Mike Coleman agreed.

"The view was nice ... It's in a good setting."

Bloore said the family was grateful for the getaway, even though it was in the city they lived in.

"Staying at the retreat was great, but there are others that come from all different parts of New Zealand to relax, away from the rush of traffic, it's really neat for them."

The family said they appreciated all that Ronald McDonald House Charities had done for them.

The family now, Donna Bloore (left), Stephen Coleman, 20, Joshua Coleman, 18, and Mike Coleman. Photo / Ben Fraser

Bloore said supporters of the charity continued to support them even now, with New World Westend owner operator Greg Dyson giving Joshua a job.

"He knew things were a bit tough for Josh now. He wants to get behind the Ronald McDonald House Charities."

Radiation and chemotherapy had lasting effects on Josh's growth and hearing.

"At the start we left everything to go to Starship," Bloore said.

Throughout the ordeal the family stayed at Ronald McDonald House in Auckland.