A charity set up in memory of a youngster who died in Burnham-On-Sea six years ago is helping families experiencing hardship.
August 19th marked the sixth anniversary of the tragic day when four-year old Dylan Cecil, pictured, fell from Burnham-On-Sea jetty into the sea and lost his life. Dylan’s body was recovered four days later by local emergency services.
As a result of the tragedy, a charity was set up in 2014 in his memory by members of Dylan’s family and representatives of Burnham Coastguard, BARB Search & Rescue and the Police, offering respite holidays to families from across the country.
“The aim of the charity is the provision of three holidays a year for families that had experienced, or are experiencing, bereavement, financial hardship, life-limiting conditions or severe or terminal physical or mental illness,” explains a spokesperson.
“To date, the charity has achieved this, however this year has been a record year with six holidays awarded – whcih is a a poignant number six years on from Dylan’s death.”
“The charity relies entirely on donations, so we would like thank everyone who has donated money or raised money through an activity or event. Without these donations it would not be possible to do what we do.”
“This year, due to the funds available, we are absolutely delighted to be helping six extremely deserving families, all with very heartfelt stories. Not only do we pay for the accommodation, each family also has their travelling expenses covered and are provided with a week’s worth of essential groceries.”
“We have also been fortunate enough to secure availability in the new fully accessible holiday homes at Holiday Resort Unity for three of the families, and without the facilities these units offer – ramps, wet rooms, hoists – we would not have been able to accommodate these very deserving families. We would like to thank them for their assistance in the booking process, and providing the families with complimentary passes to Brean Play and Brean Splash.”
“Feedback from the families who have holidayed so far have been overwhelming, allowing these families to ‘feel normal and make memories’.”
Flowers were laid on Burnham-On-Sea seafront in memory of Dylan Cecil over the weekend to mark the sixth anniversary of the tragedy.
