"Our welfare break gave us the quality time we needed as a family"
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After experiencing a stroke and spending two years in rehab, Al Dyer and his wife Gina were desperate for some time away with their seven year old twin girls. Thankfully, the Fund stepped in, offering the family a subsidised welfare break in Bridlington, Yorkshire.
Al, 53, served in the RAF as Master Air Crew for just under 34 years, but this was cut short due to an unexpected stroke, which led to Al being discharged from the RAF on 1 April 2022.
After such a difficult period, the family craved some much-needed quality time together to relax and enjoy themselves, and were the first people to stay at the new Bridlington property, in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Located in the seaside town of Bridlington, the modern, detached bungalow boasts a large, open-plan kitchen/dining/sitting room with a separate lounge in addition to four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The property is located just 15 minutes' walk from the town centre with a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
For the Dyer family, the property was more than ideal, and was fully accessible for Al's needs. Gina said: "The house was lovely – it was easy to park and to find with the helpful instructions provided by the Fund. The disabled access was great – all of the showers were walk in and we made ourselves at home straightaway. The kids loved it too, especially playing hide and seek!"
And it wasn't just the house that made the trip memorable. The property is close by to the local promenade, which has clean beaches, crazy golf and a train, which, according to Al, the twin girls loved. He said, "There is a fair open in the summer months, and nice little cafes and restaurants near the marina. We had fish and chips on the beach, but there are lots of activities you can do – crabbing, rock pools and there was a Sea Life centre which opens up in the Summer."
"After busy days out, coming back to the house to relax was just what we needed. It was lovely to have such a big kitchen and dining area with lots of seating."
The Fund's support has meant a lot for the family. Gina said: "We hadn't been on holiday since before Al's stroke because of his rehab and COVID restrictions. There was a dark cloud above our heads when Al was discharged from the RAF, and we really needed a break. It was everything to us – we’re so glad we did it and spent the time together we needed so much."
This opportunity has been made possible by the generosity of The April Fools’ Club and was also funded by the Chancellor using LIBOR funds.