“We loved our break at Parkdean Resorts and can’t wait to go back!”

After going through a stressful time as a family and with a looming surgical procedure ahead of her, RAF Corporal Amy Turton was in great need of a break away with her family.

Thanks to the Fund’s collaboration with Parkdean Resorts, Amy was offered a seaside holiday to Great Yarmouth.

Corporal Amy Turton works as an Admin Clerk based at RAF Marham and has served for 17 years in the Air Force, in which time she has been deployed to Afghanistan, Cyprus and the Falklands.

Amy and her family were going through a difficult time when she found out about the breaks. “My Sergeant told me about the break away. I applied because we had been going through such a tough time following my stepdad’s cancer diagnosis and his treatment throughout lockdown. I was just about to have double hip surgery when I applied too – it was such a stressful time for us all.”

Amy, 37, decided to book a holiday for herself, her daughter Aria, 4, and her mum, stepdad and stepsister to alleviate some of the stress caused by their combined health issues. The family enjoyed a 7-night stay at Parkdean’s Cherry Tree Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth.

Amy and her family were happy with the range of facilities on site. She said: “My daughter was three at the time and she really enjoyed it. There was plenty for us to do. We loved the evening shows, the daytime activities for kids, and we hired bikes to cycle around the Park.

“The people that work there make it so special. The holiday reps got the children involved in the evenings’ entertainment – we really enjoyed ourselves!”

The highlight of the trip for Amy was having the chance to get away with her family. She continued: “It was just so lovely to spend quality time together, and we were there on a boiling hot week in June so we were lucky to be able to enjoy the outdoor pool, as well as the indoor pool. And we were so close to the beach; it was a great location.

“We’re actually returning to Cherry Tree Holiday Park for another holiday this October – we enjoyed it that much!”

Although Amy has received mental health support from the Fund previously, she was unaware of the full extent of the assistance available to the serving RAF Family. She said: “I didn’t realise this kind of support was available to us. I wouldn’t have known I was eligible for this help if I didn’t work within a welfare team. It’s also nice to now be able to recommend this to others and signpost other serving personnel to the Fund.” 

Serving personnel and their families are able to apply for a break at Parkdean resorts across the country here.