Mark’s Seaside Respite Care Breaks

Aim: Our dearest Daddy’s precious time breathing in the Devon Coast and eating ice creams for breakfast - because he can! X

Hello dearest family and friends,

Our precious Daddy has reached the point with his MND where simply staying in our homes or hotels doesn’t work for him with the level of comfort and dignity he needs. William and I would love to be able to get him to the seaside as often as possible where he can have a whole sensory experience on his own terms, eat ice creams for breakfast, whizz in and out of charity shops making everyone laugh, watch the sunsets with his family and friends and have a few cheeky beers, whenever he wants, because we all know life and time are short on this planet. Importantly, Alex would also hugely benefit knowing Dad is in a safe place for a longer period of time than normally allows and she would be able to have rest and fun herself and freedom with what the time offers. 

The respite care home we have found is a stones throw from the seafront and offers breaks starting at 2 weeks minimum. It is £1500 per week and he would have 24hr care as his routine has adjusted to later starts and sometimes earlier bedtimes. He would be able to have 4 meals a day and all the personal care necessary as and when suits him. He would also have a garden flat and be able to come and go to our homes and the esplanade as he so chooses and as energy levels dictate. He will have help when he wants to get up, or sleep, so that his energy reserves and dignity are saved for as much fun and happiness as possible out and about.

He adores a charity shop, watching seagulls steal icecreams from unsuspecting tourists always causes tears of laughter from him, and being with him when he leaks tears of joy when encouraging us all to take note of the joys and beauty of life. His gratitude and zest for and awe of life is what we all know makes him so precious, and it is imperative to give him as much fun and stimulation as possible while he still feels inclined to travel and still has the energy and physical capability to enjoy it to its max. We don’t want to waste a second longer.

We are aiming to crowdfund at least three x 2 week stays over the next 6 months and hope the cruelty of MND stays at bay in that time and allows this opportunity for him.

Please help if you can and come and raise a glass and have a giggle with him in the evening sun (or the morning)!

NB if you are inclined to donate, you can custom the sites ‘tip’ amount to zero so that you are only contributing to this cause.

Huge love and thanks 🙏 

William and Olivia 

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 22nd July 2025 at 2:36pm