Yorkshire children’s charity celebrates major milestone

A charity dedicated to supporting disadvantaged families is celebrating a major milestone – providing free respite breaks to 5000 children from Yorkshire.

The Principle Trust provides respite holidays for children who are underprivileged, disadvantaged, disabled, have life-limiting conditions, or who have experienced poverty, trauma or abuse.

Launched in 2011, The Trust was established by Ilkley businessman Mike Davies, MBE; inspired by his own traumatic childhood Mr. Davies wanted to offer respite breaks to children experiencing long term, life threatening or limiting illnesses disabilities, mental health issues or social deprivation.

Every year the charity receives hundreds of referrals from social services, schools and other organisations; over the last twelve years The Trust has raised over £1.6m and purchased six holiday homes.

This week will see the 5000^th child cross the threshold at one of charity’s fully accessible lodges. For the family (who wish to remain anonymous), this week will be a chance to escape their everyday troubles and create valuable, happy memories – the kind many of us take for granted.

Speaking to Charity Today, Mr. Davies, said:

“Every week we receive heartwarming feedback from the families who stay in our lodges; for them it is an opportunity to escape some of their daily struggles and spend quality time together. To have reached 5000 children is an achievement which has been made possible by our amazing network of fundraisers, patrons and supporters.”

Despite the challenging economic climate, The Trust remains committed to extending its services and supporting more families across the region. In 2023 the charity launched ‘Food for Families’, an ongoing initiative to help tackle food poverty by providing one week’s supply of daily essentials to families taking a respite break.

The Trust, which recently completed a six-figure refurbishment of its accessible lodges, is supported by fundraisers and corporate patrons across Yorkshire.

For more information visit www.theprincipletrust.co.uk