Lancs park marking its 1st birthday wins praise from MP

A family's holiday park in Lancashire has been praised by its MP for bringing jobs and investment to the area, and for teaming up with other local businesses. Mark Menzies MP made his comments during a visit to Donkey Creek Farm Caravan Park in Freckleton in the wake of this spring's English Tourism Week. He met with owners Paul Lancaster and his wife Jane, plus their daughter Beccy, who opened the park last summer in a quiet rural location, on Lancashire's Fylde Coast. Paul told the MP that Donkey Creek Farm had enjoyed a "fantastic" start to the year, and that advance bookings for the coming months were "extremely strong."

The Fylde MP said that Donkey Creek should be applauded for its forward looking initiative which would help the area thrive and benefit from the tourism economy.  Although Donkey Creek is a new venture, Paul Lancaster and his family have been involved with the parks industry in Lancashire for over ½ a century. They also own long established Lamaleach Park Estates near Lytham St Annes, a residential park which provides 121 park homes for people in or near retirement.

Paul and Jane said they were delighted that Mark Menzies was able to take time out to visit their park, as part of the English Tourism Week celebrations. Also adding that Mr Menzies clearly understood the importance of the Region's visitor industry, and the beneficial effect which it has on the local economy and employment. Although it has so far been receiving visitors for less than a year, said Paul, the park has already won a raft of glowing online reviews from customers. Earlier this year, Donkey Creek also scooped a top platinum accolade in the annual Loo of the Year awards after its new ₤300,000 shower and toilet facilities were "mystery shopped" by inspectors.

The park has recently submitted planning permission to further extend the park with facilities to include:- seasonal tourers and glamping pods for guests to hire. 'Donkey Creek,' says Paul, is aimed at those seeking a high quality location to pitch on the Fylde coast, close to both scenic countryside and its famous seaside resorts. There is more information about the park at:- DonkeyCreekFarm.Co.UK.

SOUTHPORT School girls Miya Maclean and Nova Brookfield, students at Christ the King Catholic High School, recently made a generous donation to the Stroke Unit, at Southport Hospital. The friends came up with the idea of raising money for the ward, after hearing Miya's mum Abbey talk about working there. Abbey Maclean has been working as a Health Care Assistant, on this ward, for the last 2 years.  They spent ₤160 of their own savings on Apple AirPods, which they then raffled at School and raised an impressive ₤230. This money is going to be invested in the family room on the ward.

Juliette Cosgrove, director of nursing, midwifery and therapies at the Trust was delighted:- "What a fantastic effort from these girls! Generous not only with their own savings, but also with time and energy. We are delighted to receive this money and hope that everyone is very proud of these two, they are an absolute credit to their families and School."

Miya's mum Abbey explains:- "I am incredibly proud of both of them. They wanted to do something for charity, and off they went and did it, totally their own idea. They were really well supported by their School too which was excellent, they were helped with publicity and money handling, so it was great work all around."

Head teacher at Christ the King School, James Lancaster sums up:- "We are very proud of the commitment and passion that Miya and Nova have shown for this worthwhile cause. The School is delighted to support this by contributing a further ₤70 from our charity funds. We wish all staff who work hard in the stroke unit all the very best with their crucial jobs."

A keen marathon runner from Southport will be taking part in the Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll ½ Marathon to raise money for charity Victim Support, following a brutal attack earlier this year that meant he almost lost his leg. Stuart Wood who lives in Southport had originally signed up to do the Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll ½ Marathon as just 1 of a few races this year, as part of his training plan to get his marathon time down. When he was brutally attacked on holiday in January, he decided he still wanted to take part; even if it meant doing it in his wheelchair. Stuart Wood said:- "I decided during my month in hospital that I didn't want to let them beat me and that I wanted to do it anyway. At that point I had no idea how I'd be doing it; in my wheelchair, on crutches or walking. But I wanted to do it anyway.  I chose to raise money for Victim Support because I wanted to help support other victims of crime; I know now just how badly people can be impacted, both mentally and physically.  My friend Mark who I did the Liverpool ½ with last year and my friend Lorna will be helping me round the course. Last year it was me helping Mark with his 1st ½ Marathon;  and now this year he'll be helping me round!"

Training has looked quite different for the experienced marathon runner this time after spending several weeks in a wheelchair.  "Training wise I've just had to really listen to my body all the time. It all started with physio. There were 9 weeks after the attack I couldn't put any weight on my leg at all as I was in a wheelchair. Now I've been back in the gym about 3 weeks and just pushing as hard as I can. This is my next achievement on the road to recovery and eventually being able to get back to work. I'm going to have my chair with me but will do as much as I can on the crutches. I just need to get the first mile done in 16 minutes then I can take as long as I need. I practiced the first mile the other day and did it in 15 so should be on track! But however long it takes, I'll just keep going."

Victim Support is an independent charity that provides practical help and emotional support to victims and witness of crime, whether or not they have reported to the police. The charity can support no matter where or when the crime took place.  To donate to Stuart's fundraising campaign visit his Just Giving Page.