Isle of Wight families will get their first mainland holiday in years, thanks to cash donated to The Getaway Foundation.

A £1,000 grant from the Tesco Stronger Starts scheme will pay for the break, as well as food
and travel.

One family said: “It has been a really challenging and traumatic year for us so far and the holiday has given us all something to hold onto and look forward to.

"I can’t put into words how very grateful I am.”

Another said: “Watching the children so full of happiness just filled my heart with so much joy. You really have given us a priceless gift.”

Since 2021, the charity has provided more than 50 holidays for Island families.

Peter Tebbutt, The Getaway Foundation CEO, said: "It will make such a difference to many Isle of Wight families.

"Poverty should not be a barrier to families having fun and Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme has helped fund food and activities.

"All the families we support are referred to us by Isle of Wight social services, and
most have not been on holiday for at least three years."

Isle of Wight ferry crossings are via Wightlink and there's onward travel to the resort, too.

Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme was created to help schools and children’s groups provide equipment for healthy activities or nutritious food, such as breakfast clubs.

Customers can support their local school and children’s groups by dropping the Tesco blue token they receive at checkout into the relevant voting box as they leave the store.

Claire De Silva, head of community at Tesco, said: “We’re delighted we can help groups, clubs and schools like The Getaway Foundation.

"Stronger Starts invites our customers to use their blue tokens to vote for local schemes they feel will benefit children and young people, and it’s so good to see the impact that the funding
makes."