I  am very proud to be an Ambassador of the Family Holiday Association which, many of you know, is a charity that provides holiday breaks in the UK for families that face daily hardship – made worse by the likes of illness, bereavement or disability.  There are currently over TWO MILLION children in the UK whose families cannot afford a daytrip to the seaside – let alone a holiday.  The Family Holiday Association works tirelessly to raise funds to give these families that much- needed break that many amongst us take for granted.  In 2015, the Family Holiday Association will celebrate its 40^th birthday – and to recognise this – I have decided to raise – with your help - at least £40,000 – the cost of a new static caravan and its first year’s running costs.  The caravan has three bedrooms and can sleep eight – which means that children not only get a holiday but can do so with their extended family.  I think it is very important for children to be able to spend quality time bonding with all their family especially in times of need.  The caravan will be used around 30 weeks in the year, and normally has a lifespan of 10 years providing 300 families with a week-long holiday.  Last year the Family Holiday Association achieved 99% occupancy in the caravans they own.  There are currently 13 situated in high-quality holiday parks around the UK coast.  Each caravan is double-glazed and centrally heated and are regularly and properly serviced and maintained to ensure feedback remains consistently high and therefore great family holidays continue. To get the ball rolling, I have pledged £5,000 – and now, my friends, I come to you to help keep that ball moving and to reach (and hopefully surpass) the target.  No donation is too LARGE (or too small!.  Thank you all in advance for your generosity and for helping us give children and families the break they need and possibly change a life forever.