Holiday parks across North Wales have come together to support people and families affected by cancer, donating more than 50 nights of accommodation and raising £700 for Something to Look Forward to.
The initiative was inspired by Chris Locker of Woodlands Caravan Park in Harlech, following his own experience of cancer treatment. Chris was diagnosed with testicular cancer last year and has since undergone surgery and 40 rounds of chemotherapy.
During his treatment, Chris’s wife discovered Something to Look Forward to, a charity providing gifts and experiences including holidays, meals out, spa days and event tickets to people and families affected by cancer.
Chris and his family were themselves able to benefit from one of the charity’s gifts at a time when hospital appointments, treatment and a temporary reduction in household income were placing additional pressures on family life. He said the experience made a significant difference, giving his family a much-needed break from the routine of treatment.
Recognising that holiday businesses were particularly well placed to help other families in similar circumstances, Chris introduced the charity to members at the HARPA Clwyd Branch AGM.
The response from the local park community was immediate. Holiday providers across North Wales have now donated more than 50 nights of accommodation, alongside other experiences including rounds of golf, while a further £700 has been raised for the charity.
Something to Look Forward to has also been selected as the first Chairman’s Charity for the HARPA Clwyd Branch, helping to generate further financial support and raise awareness through branch events.
Chris said he has been moved by the generosity shown by colleagues across the industry and hopes the initiative can continue to grow beyond North Wales.
For a holiday park, donating an available break can be a relatively simple gesture. For a family living with cancer, however, it can offer something much more valuable: time together, a change of surroundings and an experience to look forward to during an incredibly difficult period.
The response from parks across North Wales demonstrates what can be achieved when the holiday park community works together, using the accommodation and experiences it already provides to make a meaningful difference to families when they need it most.
This is part of the #ParksMakePlaces campaign, celebrating how holiday parks support people, places and the planet.
This is part of the #ParksMakePlaces campaign, celebrating how holiday parks support people, places and the planet.
