Client testimonials

My experience of the 10 day Juice Fast

I arrived at Beechcroft Retreats on 2nd August with an amazing challenge before me i.e. consuming juices alone for the next 10 days.   This is my 2nd Retreat to date as I already attended my first Retreat, which was the 7 day Liver Cleanse in October 2007.
 
The first couple of days were the hardest, but once day three had passed I simply stayed focused with the help of meditation, orientation and support from the other participants within the group.
 
The programme was interesting, varied and informative. Every day was a new experience and challenge for me. I honestly thought that no mucoid plaque would be found in my body as I had been following a healthy eating regime for the past 5 years, but I was absolutely wrong to think that.
 
As the days moved forward my body become lighter and my energy levels were lifted through the consuming of juice, exercising and meditation.
 
On the 4th day i.e. 5th August after our regular evening walk upon arriving back at the Retreat I suddenly felt the urge to open my bowels and to my surprise I produced my first batch of mucoid plaque to which I documented in my journal and digital camera.
 
  On the 8th August at around lunchtime I passed a second amount of mucoid plaque and thereafter at around 7pm produced a third amount to which I documented in my journal and digital camera.   I showed these pictures to Merlee and she said that the mucoid plaque represented very old matter from the walls of my intestines.
 
The Retreat has been very rewarding not only on a health aspect, but I have become more aware and in tune with my inner spirit.  The Retreat has also educated me with the knowledge of fulfilling my full potential and goals in all areas of my life.
 
As an individual, I place great importance in taking time out to rejuvenate mind, body and soul as my health and well-being are invaluable i.e. priceless.
 
Finally, I would like to thank Merlee and Uwe for their passion and commitment in supporting me through my journey of self-discovery.
 
Until the next Retreat
best wishes
-Shirley

In April 2007, while on holiday with my husband, I suddenly became very ill.  I was diagnosed with multiple gallstones, via ultrasound.  This was a traumatic experience for my husband and me.  When I returned to the United Kingdom I was referred to the hospital by my doctor. 

Before I attended my hospital appointment I acquired a lot of information about my health condition in order that I could communicate with the surgeon at his level.  Also, I researched into alternative medicine. During the consultation with the surgeon, he recommended gallbladder removal by Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole gallbladder removal). I informed the surgeon that I did not want a Laparoscopic cholecystectomy.  He immediately went into the seriousness of my health condition. In addition, he informed me that I was taking a big risk with my life.  He then further added that my gallbladder was not working correctly, and that he could not see why I wanted to keep a non functional organ in my body.  At the end of my consultation I had not changed my mind.  The surgeon still placed my name on the waiting list, hoping that I would change my mind in the near future. But I did not.

Within four months I was scheduled for my operation, which I obviously turned down. I was referred to see another consultant.    The consultant tried to convince me into having the operation.  However, I did not change my mind because I wanted to get rid of my gallstones naturally.  My name was finally taken off the waiting list.

Through word of month I was given Merlee’s contact details. Merlee introduced me to the Liver Cleanse Retreat. 

 Liver Cleanse Retreat 

(March 22^nd -29^th 2008) and (July 16^th-20^th 2008)  

Beechcroft Retreat Centre is a charming venue nestled between beautiful surroundings. The location of the venue seemed a million miles from London.  There was a lot of space for individuals to move around comfortably, without feeling squashed together. In addition, spa facilities were available on request at the centre.    

The food and presentation of the food was out of this world!  I did not realise that vegetarian food could be delicious and satisfying. I was very conscious that Merlee and Uwe were committed to the highest of standards. There was also 100% of attention to detail throughout the centre and the bedrooms. Coupled, reflected an atmosphere of effortless perfection.

On my second Liver Cleanse Retreat I was fortunate to join the Liver Cleanse Retreat half-way through their programme. One of the advantages was because I was familiar with the programme, although the programme had changed slightly. When the second Liver Cleanse retreat had ended, I stayed a further day. The standard of care had not altered, Merlee, and Uwe continued to be attentive. 

Although I have attended two Liver Cleanse Retreats and had successfully removed gallstones without requiring invasive procedures such as surgery, my gallbladder is not completely free of gallstones. But I am glad that I have chosen   natural treatment.  The natural treatment is a slower process and the Liver tonic is less than pleasant, but the results are TRULY AMAZING!!! There was a tremendous amount of stones, in various sizes eliminated from my body on the day of the cleanse, and the following day. 

If it had not been for Merlee I would probably be missing a very important organ in my body, my gallbladder.  I am confident that I am on the way to a full recovery. I will be planning a third Liver Cleanse the following year. 

Summarizing the Liver Cleanse Retreat

“The Liver Cleanse at Beechcroft centre was a lush retreat and an amazing experience which I will never forget.  The retreat cares for the whole person – The emotional, mental and physical health. Each person being treated with care and compassion.  I cannot think of anything I would have changed”.  

Vanessa Clarke (The client’s name has been changed to protect confidentiality)

" i cannot fault the quality, quantity or the taste of the food, it was wholesome, satisfying and the presentation was 100%."  -Sophie, London.

"Merlee has a gift that is A class. She has the ability to turn any situation around to peace and calmness. She is professional, kind and very gifted in her work. It was a pleasure to spend this time with her. She is a huge blessing to anyone that comes into her presence." -Carol, London

"Uwe, your breathwork has healed my snoring, thank you".-Keith, Bristol.  

"the food was fresh, wholesome and tasted as good as it looked, though i suspect the main ingredient was love" -Sarah, Kent.

"would absolutely recommend Beechcroft retreats, totally and without reservation." -Lorraine, East Sussex.  

"Beechcroft retreat centre has the most beautiful of surroundings"  -Daniel, Norway. 

"Brilliant location, excellent facilities"  -Johnny, London

"Uwe, the breathwork with you was simply amazing, it was the highlight of my week"  -Craig, Brighton.

"Absolutely beautiful. Never thought i would enjoy an alternative way of eating so much and not feeling hunger pangs". -Heather, West Indies

"Yoga at the beginning of the day and meditation was excellent" - Gloria

"Breathwork and colonics went a long way in allowing me to release my inner physical and emotional self. Having said that the whole package worked really well. Rebounding, yoga, meditation , they all complimented each other. The delivery of the service was 1st class".

"The incredibily supportive environment without which none of my shifting would have happened" 

"A lot of new knowledge regarding diet, health routines, enemas, skin brushing, the way the body works - all of which will be useful beyond this course" -Sally

"Overwhelmed by the generosity, hard work and high quality of what was on offer. I know this must have been planned for months. The retreat came at the right time for me, I'd lost my way a little bit. I feel I have gained momentum. I have been cleansed and put back on track..... I have enormous admiration for how hard the team worked giving us so much. Uwe and Merlee - God bless you for your vision and commitment." -Sue

 Written on cards to Merlee (with a picture of a monkey) and Uwe (with a picture of a fox).

"Merlee - monkey = meaning a mischievous child.

You have an energy that fills the room. In your presence I felt confident and able to do anything. I felt that I could give myself up to you and trust you. You are a strong woman with a wealth of knowledge that you are willing to share. You are an enabler and have given me a new look in life. I thank you for making me welcome, giving me support and understanding. Your sense of humour is also a gift and I thank you for that. I wish you every success in whatever you do. Wishing you wealth, health and happiness. Love and light, -Jane xxx

 The fox = meaning cunning, wily person.

You have a calming energy - which is powerful. You made me feel at ease and calm when I was anxious. Whilst you have a calmness you also have a strong powerful side which was present in your drumming and meditation. I found your yoga and breathwork both peaceful and challenging. It was nice to meet you and I enjoyed our walk. I thank you for your commitment, support and patience. I wish you a wonderful life. Love and light Jane x
 

A cancer patients moving story. 

My name is Dympna Flynn, I am 54 years old. I come from a family with a long history of cancer. My mum, dad, brother, sister, aunts and uncles all died of it.  Four years ago I was diagnosed with cancer of the bowel, vagina, and rectum in advanced stages. This was after 3 years of constant pain, sickness, and test after test, scan after scan at my local hospital and always being reassured that nothing was wrong with me. The tumour in my vagina was actually protruding outside. I could touch it and see it before it was diagnosed. Understandably, I was very angry that it had been overlooked for so long. Fortunately, I had previously started to look for ways to help other members of my family and had found a book called a ‘Cancer Battle Plan’ and had already started drinking the juices and had changed my eating habits. I was very determined to help myself through this. I did not trust the doctors to do the right thing for me. That is when after months of searching the internet and ringing around various clinics, I stumbled across Merlee Harris and the Sanctuary of Light purely by accident. I knew roughly what sort of treatment I was looking for, but it had to be the right person giving it. I needed to feel confident that they were genuine. I went to France for a liver cleanse with Merlee and her team, and although at the time I was not feeling my best – after all the chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, I still wasn’t as appreciative to Merlee as I should have been at the time. I came home and a week later I could not believe how well I felt. I got the all clear at the hospital the following week. The day I met Merlee was the first time I started to believe that I could get over this health issue. I still have treatment on a monthly basis at the Sanctuary of Light with Merlee. Without this treatment, supplements, and the advice that I have received I am confident that I would not be alive today. Whatever happens from here on out, I will always be grateful to Merlee for keeping me alive this long. So from the bottom of my heart I want to say ‘thank you Merlee’.  -Dympna Flynn, London  March 2007

"My stay has been perfect, i would absolutely recommend Beechcroft retreats" -Kristina, March 08

"the breathwork with Uwe was excellent, it took me to places inside myself i did not know existed!" -Morella,  March 08

"everything was special" -Ama, March 08

"i can't wait to come back, maybe the juice fast next year......." -Claudia, March 08

"the quality and taste of the food was magnificent"  -Michelle, March 08

"i would recommend Beechcroftretreats without question, you are the most genuine holistic team and you set such a high standard" -Yenka, March 08

"the planning was very good and the work put in by the organisers and staff was phenomenal. The level of support has been admirable and the generosity of spirit noteworthy. I appreciated meeting each participant on this retreat and I sincerely hope we will keep in touch and have many reunions". -MG