“We’re all a bit more relaxed because we’ve been away and done something as a family.”
Erika's Story
Erika and her children, seven-year-old Evie and 10-year-old Noah had such a fantastic break in Skegness that they are already making plans to go back in 2023.
Erika, her children, and her mum Jayne, who went along to support, had a weekend break at Parkdean Southview Leisure Park in May.
Like many families, this was their first holiday for a long time. The pandemic was incredibly challenging. But it was an even more anxious time for Erika than many.
Evie was diagnosed with a heart condition before she was born and as a result has extremely complicated health needs. In January last year Evie had a new pacemaker fitted.
Evie was in hospital for three days. We had to travel to Leeds which was a long way. I was just eager to get her home so we could all be together. It was a worrying time, especially with the backdrop of Covid, but Evie has recovered well from her operation and she’s doing fine now.
Now that Evie has recovered from her heart surgery, Erika was able to consider having a break away for the first time in a long while. But Evie uses a wheelchair so finding an accessible holiday with adapted accommodation was crucial.
Erika was so impressed that the park was fully accessible for people using wheelchairs.
The park there is amazing. There was even a swing that Evie can use while in her wheelchair. I’ve never seen one of those before! It was great because it meant that Evie could go on the swing while her brother Noah could play in the park. It’s lovely, there’s plenty of ponds with geese and ducks which the children loved.
While the journey was a little stressful, Erika was able to arrange assistance for the train. Despite sharing a carriage with kids going to a rugby competition and a stag do, it was OK, made easier by having Erika’s Mum, Jayne, along for support.
But on arrival, the holiday park’s reception staff were really helpful and the family were able to get on with enjoying a well-deserved break.
For Erika, the best bit was just how relaxed everyone was and how much they enjoyed themselves. Noah, who helps out at home with some caring duties, was able to let off steam. He loved going to the centre of Skegness where he enjoyed the arcades, going on the log flume and riding a donkey!
Erika recommends the park they visited for other families with accessible needs. “The people we spoke to arranged for us to have an adapted caravan. It came with a ramp and accessible shower room which definitely took the stress of having to lift Evie in and out. It meant that Evie could be comfortable and safe.”
"We’re all a bit more relaxed because we’ve been away and done something as a family. Noah hasn’t stopped talking about it, he absolutely loved it! And it was easier for us to go at a quieter time."
The holiday was something long overdue. The children definitely benefited from it more than the grown-ups. It was so good that I’m already planning for us to all go back next year.