Our breaks for Forces families are about more than photos and souvenirs – they’re about giving loved ones the time and space to come back together after some of life’s toughest moments, as Darren and his family found earlier this summer.

“Following an unexpected illness in August 2024, my family and I have had a rollercoaster of a year that also saw our children have to settle into a boarding school.

“During my recovery period, I was put in touch with Give Us Time. They swiftly responded with numerous offers that would allow us as a family an opportunity to get away from everything military and just focus on each other.

We were under no pressure to select specific dates which was important given the amount of medical appointments my wife has to juggle on my behalf.

“A key factor we all wanted was time by the sea. This is a common theme for happiness for all of us and once again, the charity offered us various beach locations. We opted for a caravan holiday at Lakeside, Chichester. The staff were incredible and the area was perfect.

“We felt completely at ease and able to relax and just be a normal happy family. Although Give Us Time had nothing to do with the weather, it was also on our side and we were able to do as much or as little as we pleased.

“Four nights away was the perfect length of time and we would love to do it again either in the same location or on a different beach. The adventure really did give us time to reflect, reflex and respect where we had been and what we have together as a family.

“Thank you to everyone at Give Us Time for making this happen. My family and I will never forget this.”

Thank you to Park Holidays UK for their ongoing support for our work.