Raising Over £7000 for Cure Parkinson’s
The spirit of community shines brightest when we come together for a cause close to our hearts. This past year, our Andrewshayes family embarked on an incredible journey of fundraising for Cure Parkinson’s, achieving something truly remarkable along the way.
A Personal Connection
What began as Park Manager Josh Lawrence’s personal challenge to raise £2,500 for Cure Parkinson’s blossomed into something far greater. With 2 family members affected by Parkinson’s disease, Josh’s commitment to making a difference became a rallying point for our entire holiday park community.
From London Streets to Devon Hospitality
Josh’s dedication took physical form as he pounded the pavements of the capital in the London Marathon – an incredible feat of endurance and determination. Especially hard because just a few months before the marathon he fractured his collar bone and nearly pulled out all together.
But the fundraising didn’t stop there. Back at Andrewshayes, our beloved Ploughman’s Bar became the beating heart of our charitable efforts.
Throughout the season, our holiday park buzzed with fundraising activities that brought guests and staff together. Ploughman’s manager Amanda took on her own challenge to help Josh reach the target but achieved far more.
Weekly meat raffles created friendly banter, while competitive quiz nights tested knowledge and music bingo sessions filled the bar with all age groups. These regular events kept the momentum going all season long.
Summer Spectacular
One of the highlights of our fundraising calendar a full day of activities designed to maximise both enjoyment and donations. Guests eagerly participated in our car treasure hunt, exploring the beautiful East Devon countryside while supporting local independent businesses along the route.
The day culminated in a festive atmosphere back at the park with a sizzling BBQ and an exciting mega raffle with prizes generously donated by local businesses and supporters. The spirit of giving was infectious!
Creative Fundraising
The approach to fundraising embraced creativity at every turn. The Race Night was a great success as well as Football scratch cards adding a sporting element to our efforts, while the Ploughman’s also contributed 50p from every pizza sold during a special two-week summer campaign. Even the Carrooka boards became fundraising tools with a £2 donation for each use.
The season concluded in spectacular fashion with our end-of-season party featuring both a raffle and a fantastic mega auction with prizes donated by local businesses that had everyone digging deep for this worthy cause.
Making a Difference
Parkinson’s disease affects approximately 153,000 people in the UK alone, with someone newly diagnosed every hour. Despite significant medical advances, there is still no cure for this progressive neurological condition that affects movement and can cause tremors, stiffness, and balance problems.
The £7,140 raised – nearly triple Josh’s original target – will help fund crucial research into treatments that could slow, stop or reverse Parkinson’s. Cure Parkinson’s focuses specifically on funding innovative research with the potential to transform lives, giving hope to millions worldwide.
Continuing Our Support
While our official fundraising campaign for Cure Parkinson’s has concluded, our commitment to this vital cause remains unwavering. The connections we’ve formed with the Parkinson’s community have become part of the Andrewshayes family story.
We’re delighted to share that several of our regular guests have been inspired to continue supporting Cure Parkinson’s through their own initiatives. From sponsored walks to coffee mornings, the ripple effect of our campaign continues to spread throughout our community.
Our Heartfelt Thanks
We simply couldn’t have achieved this extraordinary fundraising total without the generous support of our local community. From the independent shops that participated in our treasure hunt to the local artisans who donated auction items, every contribution made a difference.
Special thanks must go to:
Our wonderful guests who participated with such enthusiasm
The Ploughman’s Bar team, Chippy and Amanda and their family who orchestrated countless events
Local businesses who donated prizes and promotional support
Our dedicated staff who volunteered their time and energy
The village of Dalwood and surrounding communities for their unwavering support
Looking Forward
As we reflect on this tremendous achievement, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who contributed – our dedicated staff, generous guests, supportive local businesses and the wider Andrewshayes community.
This year, we’re turning our fundraising efforts toward the Teenage Cancer Trust, but the spirit of giving that defined our Parkinson’s campaign will continue to inspire everything we do.
We’ve discovered that holidays at Andrewshayes aren’t just about creating wonderful memories in the beautiful Devon countryside – they’re also about making a meaningful difference in the world beyond our park gates.
Thank you to everyone who helped us become true Holiday Park Heroes! Your generosity hasn’t just raised funds – it’s raised spirits, awareness, and hope for everyone affected by Parkinson’s disease.
