A SANDIWAY family has become the first to benefit from a partnership between a motorhomes company and a charity supporting children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

The van Zyl family, who lost four-year-old Riley to cancer in 2012, spent a week at Blakemere Touring Site courtesy of When You Wish Upon a Star and Holmes Chapel-based Spinney Motorhomes.

The scheme, which will be open to families until September, is not the first involvement the van Zyl’s have had with the charity, who were able to send Riley and his family to EuroDisney just weeks before he died.

Angela, Riley’s mum, said: “I dread to think what that time in our lives would have been like without our special holiday and a chance to create these magical memories that will last us forever.

“Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a child, but I’m in no doubt that having this special holiday at such a vital point in our lives, when we had no time to fundraise or save for a trip, enabled us to remember all the happy and magical memories with Riley and his sister Lenina.

“It helped us grieve and also helped us find a path to keep going for Lenina and each other.

“When You Wish Upon A Star grant Wishes all across the UK for children like Riley.

"They can only say yes to families just like ours if they have the money available in the bank.

“No one wants this to touch them or their family, or to ever be in the position we were in, but I know who I’d want to ask for help.”

The motorhomes company first came into contact with the charity seven years ago, following a family tragedy.

"They are now working to raise awareness of the charity and help families in a similar position.

A spokesman said: “Spinney are giving families who are going or have been through a tough time a chance to have quality and relaxing moments away.

“We not only site the caravan, but makes sure it’s kitted out with kitchen essentials, bedding and a few extra treats.

“We’ve chosen Blakemere Touring Park as it hosts excellent washing facilities on site and also there’s plenty to see and do for people of all ages over in the Blakemere Village.”