Family Holiday Charity boss to tackle 100km challenge
Tom ParryFamily Holiday Charity boss Kat Lee will undertake a 100km walk along the Thames Path this weekend to help fund much-needed breaks for families in tough situations.
Lee, who joined the FHC as chief executive in October 2019, is aiming to raise £1,500 during her two-day challenge across Saturday and Sunday, enough to enable four families to enjoy some time away.
The charity supports families facing a range of challenges – from bereavement and illness, to long-term disability, mental health issues and isolation.
Referred by professionals working with the families, the FHC offers a range of holidays, from seaside breaks to countryside stays, helping provide respite from day-to-day troubles, and create happy memories and hope for the future.
Looking ahead to her upcoming challenge, Lee, who turned 40 earlier this year, said: “What better way to celebrate than taking on a challenge that will help families facing some of the toughest times?
“For so many a holiday is completely impossible – and we’re here as a charity to give a gift that lasts a lifetime in memories, confidence and hope for the future.”
This year, the FHC is also offering families a contribution towards food costs for their trips, as well as its existing programme of help with travel.
The charity estimates around 2.2 million families in the UK are unable to afford a break away from home of any kind.
“We had to act to make it easier for families to say yes when we offer them a holiday,” added Lee. “Costs can be unexpected – if you’re travelling by public transport for example, you can’t take all the bits like washing-up liquid from home. So, when costs add up, the fun and relaxation fade for many families and it’s a real barrier.
“By offering a holiday, everyone in a family sees a benefit, has the chance to reconnect and stressed parents have time to breathe out and take stock. Long-term, the impact of a holiday means that as well as confidence and hope, many families get more involved in their communities, have better relationships with school and, over time, some families need less additional support.”
To support Lee, visit her fundraising page: justgiving.com/fundraising/KatLeeCEO
The FHC is also receiving support from across the travel sector in the coming weeks with Clia’s New Forest cycle on 17 September and a team of eight travel professionals taking on the London Marathon next month.
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Tom Parry
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