The Newman Holiday Trust provides respite holidays for children with disabilities. Each year, the Trust takes 130 to 140 children between the ages of 5-16 on life-changing holidays across the UK.

The weeks activities range from swimming and sensory rooms, to offsite trips to wildlife parks and theme parks, combining to be an experience these children would not otherwise receive. What makes the Newman Trust truly special is the fact that every child’s experience is shaped around their needs. Their wellbeing, enjoyment and empowerment are just some of the things that are central to the holidays.

Last year, Jacob (who I was 1-to-1 with) wasn’t as fussed about the big outings. He preferred to walk around and liked to focus on all the nooks and crannys of the school grounds rather than the trips. He liked held hugs whilst spinning. Those were the things that made his week, and the Trust made sure that’s exactly what he received.

I won’t pretend it can’t be a challenging week. It’s full on, 24/7, demanding everything you’ve got, but at the end of the day it’s all for the children’s safety, fun and care, which ultimately makes every tough, and really tough moment, worth it. It’s the reason I come back every year (4th year this year!)

The Newman Holiday Trust is an entirely voluntary organisation. From volunteers (me) to nurses, to holiday organisers to trustees, every single person involved in the charity gives their time freely. That means 100% of every £1 donated goes directly towards a child’s holiday. On average, it costs £1,050 to send one child on holiday, making it roughly £17,000-£18,000 to run each holiday.

As well as volunteering, this year I’ll be running the London marathon to raise money for the Trust. 26.2 miles for a trust that always goes the extra distance!

So any donation, XS, S, M, L… XL! does make a real difference.

If you haven’t already, please watch the NHT promotional video to see it in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIwGsvloJHI&t=6s

Thank you for your time and thank you for any support.

These holidays change lives.

Fred