Sheffield charity's four decades of respite for families

The Sheffield Family Holiday Fund was launched in 1976, and since then it has helped more than 17,000 adults and children who cannot afford a break.

Trips away can be anything from a day out in the countryside to a week in a caravan at the seaside, with the cost of sending a family of four on holiday coming in at between £400 and £500.

Families are referred through social services and the city council. Often they are those struggling with challenges in life, including illness, bereavement, disability, mental health and abuse.

The charity, which is run by a board of trustees on a voluntary basis and funded 100 per cent by donations, officially reaches 40 years in May.

Its chair, retired chartered accountant John Hopkins, from Fulwood, said the anniversary was ‘a great opportunity’, adding: “It is a proven fact that family breaks can help improve children’s learning and behaviour at school, and also that families who holiday together are more likely to stay together.”

A celebration event is happening on May 5 at Sheffield University’s Firth Court. Families, sponsors and supporters will be invited. The charity – administered by the national Family Holiday Association – wants to recruit another 40 corporate sponsors this year. Visit www.familyholidayassociation.org.uk for details.