REACT respite holidays

November 2024 –

This time last year we offered our support to REACT Children’s Charity to purchase three new caravans ready for their 2024 holiday season. The feedback we have received has been incredibly positive and we are delighted to hear that the families have made lasting memories during their stay.

Vicky Andreas, CEO of REACT Children’s Charity:

“It cannot be overstated, what a significant impact the new homes have had on our families’ wellbeing. With all our families living in such disadvantaged circumstances, it is incredibly rare that any have the opportunity or means with which to arrange a family holiday together, away from the usual routines at home. This often leads to not just the child and parents becoming dejected, but the siblings, who so rarely have any quality leisure time of their own.

Feedback on the new mobile homes has been universally positive, with families noting the beautiful coastal locations as the perfect place within which to not only make precious memories together, but bond as a family.”

Families just like Rowanna’s, who after receiving a piece of specialised equipment from REACT were delighted to learn that they could also take a free mobile home holiday.

Rowanna is three and is living with an extremely rare neurodevelopmental disorder called CTNNB1 syndrome. With less than 500 diagnosed cases globally CTNNB1 syndrome is caused by chromosomal abnormalities and associated with a wide range of symptoms including developmental delay and movement difficulties.

The whole family was delighted by the unexpected surprise and booked as soon as they could.

“Living on a budget it was really helpful to have the opportunity to have a family break. It was like a home away from home, the caravan was immaculate and Rowanna loved all the entertainment. Passes were included, we went swimming and there was even a sensory room which Rowanna really enjoyed.”

These respite holidays remain highly popular with families, leading to waiting lists due to increasing demand. This is one of the many reasons we’ve chosen to support the team again this year. Our £150,000 grant will fund the replacement of two of REACT’s old caravans—one in Trecco Bay, Wales, and the other in Cala Gran, Blackpool.

The remainder of the grant will be used to expand their reach and grow their fleet, with plans to purchase two new caravans in Newcastle and East Yorkshire.

Anna Twentymen, CFO of The Kentown Wizard Foundation:

“We’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with REACT for a number of years now and are always blown away by the number of children they support through their respite holidays. Not every family has the opportunity to book a holiday and for many with seriously ill children, it can be a daunting task. The feedback we have received this year from REACT has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re hopeful that with these additional caravans, they will be able to reach even more families who need and deserve this time away together.”

To apply for the next holiday season and for more information regarding a REACT holiday please visit – https://reactcharity.org/what-we-do/holidays

Charity Registration number: England and Wales (800248) and in Scotland (SCO3878)