Over 50 families were given free rail and bus tickets  by First Great Western Railways - watch one family's story

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The Nkrumah family travelled to Butlins Minehead from Paddington Station in London using free train and bus tickets supplied by First Great Western.  The Nkrumahs were only one of some fifty families who have benefited in 2009 from this generous support from the train company. 

We hope that we will be able to encourage other train companies to provide similar support in the future.  Angela and her family were very appreciative of the help! 

Watch the film and send us your comments - click here.

Listen to Liam and his family talk about their holiday experience

"A holiday means excitment to me and funness and stuff that you can do what's real, real good." Click below to listen to Liam on holiday at Skegness in 2007. 

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Listen to Liam's mum and other family members below. Single mother from Hull, Maria describes her holiday as "a dream come true".

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Read some other comments from families

Mother and three children, Ramsgate

For the last two years the family has suffered serious disruption and the children have had to go into care for short periods. The mother has a serious health condition. The Family Holiday Association helped this family to have a week’s holiday in Clacton.

We had a lovely week, most of all we were able to play together away from home.

Mother, four children, and grandfather, Rotherham
The parents are separated, and the family survives on benefits. The children have health and behavioural problems; one son has asthma and has been hospitalised on various occasions. The Family Holiday Association helped this family to have a week’s holiday in Great Yarmouth.

…just getting away from home…being away from the same thing all the time…being able to let the kids go off when they wanted, without me having to worry too much… The kids liked it most when I went on the water log with them and I got wet (ha ha).

Parents and two children, Glenrothes
The father has spondyloarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. He experiences considerable pain and has to attend hospital frequently. His condition places the family under considerable stress. The Family Holiday Association enabled the family to have a week’s holiday at the Blue Dolphin Resort

The kids seemed to really enjoy themselves and they seemed to be more content because there was loads of activities…the week away made us more relaxed…everything about the holiday was great.
 

Grandparents and two teenage boys, Rotherham
The boys’ parents separated and they are in the custody of their grandparents. They have a sister, who lives with the father. The grandparents are in poor health, and a holiday was essential. The grandparents were reluctant to take the money offered, in case of causing family problems. The Family Holiday Association helped to provide this family with a holiday.

Thank you for giving my family the chance…we are all very grateful for a marvellous holiday…came home more relaxed and more able to cope with stress…all in all we had a holiday to remember.
 

Parents and four children, Sheffield
This family is isolated and under enormous pressure. The eldest child has recently been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. The family feels unsupported and had no chance of a holiday without external help. The Family Holiday Association helped to provide a week at Butlins, Skegness

It was a break to get away from everything, no stress and lots of relaxing…swimming pool was a definite hit.