CARERS for a boy from Radcliffe have spoken of their delight after a young person’s charity funded a family summer holiday.

Ethan Crawford, aged 12, who suffers from severe learning difficulties and epilepsy an an all-expenses paid vacation to Ribby Hall Village in Preston for four nights was paid for by Trewan Sands Children’s Trust.

The charity, that funds breaks for sick and disabled children, chose the family after being awarded a donation themselves from Radcliffe Rotary Club.

When away from his parents, Ethan, who attends Elms Bank Specialist Arts School in Whitefield, and his sister Isabella are cared for by his Grandad Jasan and his partner Karen Hogg.

Karen, aged 42, who lives in Turf Street with Jasan, aged 49, said: “We usually take Ethan and his sister away in the summer holidays for a week to give his parents a break.This year though we had a lovely surprise as Trewan Sands were kind enough to offer to help us out.

“They booked and paid for it all so we didn’t have to do anything. We are so thankful.”

The holiday was funded by the charity after they were presented with an £800 cheque from Radcliffe Rotary Club.

Louise Dawson, trustee at Trewan Sands, said: “We first met Ethan and the family a few months ago. Ethan took a shine to us and we got chatting with Karen and Jasan.” and they explained that they care for Ethan as respite for his parents.

“It was at this point that I explained about the work that we do at the charity and that we could offer the family a holiday.

“We then got approached by Radcliffe Rotary Club and were asked to attend an evening with the members and to tell them about what the charity does.

“They decided that they wanted to support us and asked if we had a family in Radcliffe so we chose them.

The award-winning, five-star luxury holiday village specialises in short breaks and family holidays and Mrs Hogg said that she and the family could not have asked for a better stay.

She said: “The facilities were amazing and the staff there were so helpful throughout. Ethan loved it.

“We used the swimming pool and there was a big basket swing that he could access and he loves swings so that was great.

“We used the soft play area and went to a UV disco in the club one night as well.

“One day we went to Lytham as it is quite close by and the beach is nice there.

“There’s a spot near the dunes that was easy to get Ethan’s wheelchair on and the boys and have a play in safety.”

Mrs Hogg added that they always have to plan holidays carefully.

She said: “All of the kids are different ages and because of Ethan’s additional needs it is difficult to find something that caters for all of them.”

Trewan Sands Children’s Trust is at www.tsctrust.org.uk