'I was given a free holiday after my life fell apart - you might qualify for one as well'

A former musician scored a free holiday with her five-year-old daughter to Parkdean Resorts.

Every yeardonates 185 free holidays to military personnel and their families in need of rest and recuperation through a partnership with the RAF Benevolent Fund.

After a turbulent year being medically discharged from her RAF career and the breakdown of her marriage, former RAF musician Rachelle Bilham wanted nothing more than a break away with her five-year-old daughter. Through Parkdean's collaboration with the RAF Benevolent Fund, Rachelle was able to head to a week-long holiday in

“My life fell apart in such a short space of time,” explained Rachelle. “I had to leave my marital home after my husband and I split up, and, due to a life-long disability following a surgery that went wrong, I had to be discharged from my job as a musician, where I played the trumpet in the RAF. It was such a challenging time.”

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Rachelle and her daughter stayed at Trecco Bay Holiday Park. “Our break at Parkdean Resorts was just what my daughter and I needed after a turbulent year," she added. "It was wonderful to be able to escape reality from our life back home and spend some quality time together," she added.

"The break gave me the confidence that I am able to provide for my daughter and keep her happy on my own.”

In 2022, Rachelle's life turned upside down when her marriage broke down and she had to move into military accommodation with her daughter. She also had to undergo surgery for a pre-existing condition which went wrong, and unexpectedly left her with a lifelong disability. As a result, she could no longer continue to play the trumpet in the RAF.

“I reached out to the Fund and was given a paid-for break at Parkdean’s Trecco Bay Resort in South Wales during October half-term. It was just what we needed. It was amazing to spend quality time together – we used all of the facilities including the , playground and mini golf. My daughter especially loved the evening entertainment that was on every night – she was addicted to the music! We also visited the local farm and the nearby beach," Rachelle continued.

“It was wonderful to be able to escape reality from our life back home and spend some quality time together. My daughter loved the one-on-one time. The break gave me the confidence that I am able to provide for my daughter and keep her happy on my own.

“I’m very grateful for the support I’ve received. I’m coming out the other side of such a difficult time and I’m feeling much happier again.”

Also in the RAF, Corporal Amy Turton, 37, experienced a stressful period with her family as she neared a surgical procedure.

“We had been going through such a tough time following my stepdad’s cancer diagnosis and treatment,” Amy said. “I was just about to have double hip surgery when I applied too – it was such a stressful time for us all.”

Amy, her four-year-old daughter, her mother, stepfather, and stepsister were gifted a stay at Cherry Tree Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth. 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!”

Over 17 years in the service, Amy has been deployed to Afghanistan, and the Falklands. Next year, Parkdean Resorts will be upping the number of free holidays available to 200. Kerry Turnbull-Murphy, head of people at Parkdean Resorts, said: “We have huge respect for the work our military forces do and the sacrifices they make.

"Bringing families together and creating unforgettable memories is at the heart of everything we do, so we’re delighted to be able to donate holidays and give members of our valued armed forces community the opportunity to relax and recuperate with their loved ones."