From the east Yorkshire and Northumberland coast through to the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District across to Blackpool, North Wales and the Peak District, this map shows the top seven locations for a break.
The positive impact of being able to switch off and relax while on holiday is well known and this piece of research highlights the wider benefits of taking a break for people living with a terminal illness.
That said, we know how challenging it is to organise even a short beak when life is so hard and complicated. This is what drives us, and it’s why we believe in the personal touch. We speak to each guest or their nominated contact before we begin our property search so that we can find them a break that works for them, whether that’s taking the whole family away and having fun at a holiday park or sitting quietly and watching the sea from the warmth of a living room with a fantastic view.
We remain a small charity with friends, family and supporters at its heart. We’re just so happy that we can keep Ange’s spirit and legacy alive by gifting a break to others when they need it most.
Our Trustees
Friends, family and loved ones are still the beating heart of ABOAB with her GP brother Mike Merriman a trustee, as well as long-term friends and supporters Paula Hunt and Helen Pilling. Other friends and family members are continually finding ways to raise funds and awareness of what we do, and this is extending to the next generation with Ange’s daughter and nieces all finding ways to raise funds and awareness whilst having an adventurer in the great outdoors.
Jules Armson
Jules’ career was primarily in healthcare marketing. Post retirement she has been involved with the charity sector as well as working to encourage children’s love of literacy and nature.
Paula Hunt
Paula has an NHS/charity background and has more recently worked with her husband running their own holiday cottage business.
Dr Mike Merriman
Mike is the clinical director of Kirkby PCN in Knowsley, Liverpool. As one of Angela Sturgeon’s brothers he is proud to be continuing the family link.
Helen Pilling
Having worked as a Solicitor, Helen spent time in the voluntary and education sectors before returning to the Legal profession.
Kim Reddyhoff
Kim, now retired, has a background in social work, where she practiced for twenty five plus years, latterly in palliative care.
Gill Nolan
Gill is long known to ABOAB, having worked closely with Dr Mike Merriman in her role as Macmillan Care Navigator in the Knowsley and Kirkby areas – supporting people from point of diagnosis with cancer. Gill now has a wider role across North Merseyside as ‘Lead for Personalised Care – Cancer’ based at University Hospitals Liverpool Group.
The Team
Rachel Boggs
Rachel joined in 2021 as our Operations Coordinator. Rachel has wide experience across the charities sector and in IT. She works with us part-time and is the best first point of contact.
Contact us
Referrals / General / other queries
Rachel Boggs – rachel@abitofabreak.com 07516 315602
Charity queries
Helen Pilling – helen@abitofabreak.com 07990 977040
Properties
Paula Hunt – paula@abitofabreak.com 07801 860565
