b'PARKDEAN IMPACT REPORT 2021Throughout 2021, 52 Royal Navy families enjoyed awell. The Royal Navy is aware of my situation and release Parkdean Resorts break thanks to the new initiative, in me from duty to give my wife support when needed. My some of the most popular holiday locations in the UKDivisional Officer put me forward for a Parkdean break, including Camber Sands, Great Yarmouth and Newquay.thinking a change in scenery and a break would do our In addition to free holiday accommodation, deservingfamily the world of good. recipients were presented with free entertainment passes and discounted opportunities for family dining. Writing to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, Chief Petty Officer Andy Stevenson explained why being selected for a Parkdean break meant so much to him and his family:Since my second daughter Sable came along in 2013, we have had to deal with a lot by ourselves, which has had its toll on the whole family. Sable has a form of genetic epilepsy called FGF12 - so rare in fact that when diagnosed in 2016, it was only the ninth diagnosis on record. Only five of those previously diagnosed are still alive. Sable is non-verbal, has limited cognitive ability and we spent the first two and a half years of her life by her bedside at a HighIn the past we have tended to shy away from family holidays Dependency Unit in Derriford Hospital. Sables condition isas they have not always gone to plan. People can be life- limiting and if she has seizures she is at risk of death,very judgmental not understanding how my children can so we are always on high alert and take turns watching hersometimes behave, which can be very hurtful to my wife on a monitor at night. We have had some respite breaks inand I. But the girls have both come on leaps and bounds OFF ON THEIR HOLIDAYS! the past, but when Covid-19 hit the Centre which providedin recent years, so we are really looking forward to going it was forced to shut down, so we have had to contend withaway together and enjoying ourselves. It will be lovely for caring for her ourselves without any breaks to recharge andthe whole family to have a holiday away with everything In 2021 the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the Royal Navy formed a new partnershipto catch up on sleep. arranged for us , with lots of entertainment for the children. with Parkdean Resorts, the UKs largest holiday park provider, to offer free holiday breaks forOur other daughter Stella also has the genetic conditionIt is so nice to have something to look forward to after serving personnel and their families in locations throughout England, Scotland and Wales. TheMicrodeletion Syndrome, which is linked to mental healthlosing out on so much due to the pandemic.issues, special educational requirements and autism. I cant thank you enough for this opportunity to have a break partnership has been so successful that it has been extended into 2022. Understandably, my wifes health has suffered due to itaway. It means the world to usHaving the opportunity to sit in front of the fire and talk openly about myall. She struggles with depression and has fibromyalgia, In this new initiative, breaks were awarded as appreciation and recognition of the serving person,brought on by all the stress. In recent years I have also gone current stresses and physical difficulties makes me aware that my situation is but also to acknowledge the family members who provide the bedrock of support at home, andthrough three separate knee surgeries after an accident at not unique and there is light at the end of the tunnel.who make extraordinary sacrifices to their own lifestyles so that their loved ones can follow theirwork, as well as repeated bowel surgeries followingnaval careers. A particular focus has been on Royal Navy families who are facing exceptionalan infection. challenges, and for whom some quality time away together could make a real difference. All in all, weve had a bit of a tough time, but we get throughIf you would like to nominate someone in the it as a family and have had a lot of support from work asRoyal Navy community to be considered for a Reward and Recognition holiday break, please scan here with your Smart Phone.44 A YEAR OF COMING TOGETHER, WHILST BEING APART 45'