Last updated at 14:49, Sunday, 27 January 2013

THE dream of inspirational Alice Pyne has become a reality with the arrival of a luxury caravan for her charity.

PRIDE: Milly Pyne with the luxury caravan at Bardsea Leisure Park

The courageous 17-year-old died on January 12 after fighting Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for more than five years.

The Ulverston teen founded Alice’s Escapes, which provides holidays in South Cumbria for seriously-ill children and their families.

Alice’s dream was for her charity to have its own caravan and this week, after a series of fundraising campaigns, Alice’s family proudly watched her caravan arrive at Bardsea Leisure Park, in their hometown of Ulverston.

Alice’s 14-year-old sister, Milly, said: “It was exciting to see Alice’s caravan arrive and I know that she’d have loved it.”

Alice’s mum, Vicky, added: “Taking delivery of the caravan marked a very special day for the charity. I felt a mixture of emotions watching its arrival – immense pride at what we have all achieved, but sadness that Alice wasn’t here to witness it with us.”

And Alice’s dad Simon said: “The arrival of the caravan represents what can be achieved when family, friends and the wider community come together. I just wish Alice had been here with us to see it.”

The charity is busy getting the Willerby Winchester 2013 caravan ready. Milly has had a good response with an Amazon wishlist to help kit out the caravan.

Cathy and Simon Broomfield, trustees of Alice’s Escapes, said: “The charity wants to thank the incredible support we have had from Willerby Caravans (manufacturer) and the suppliers Westfield Caravans and Kendal Caravans. Also to Hi-Line Transport.

“All of these companies have helped us so generously in making Alice’s dream come to reality. Also to Arrad Foot Balconies who are constructing the decking on site.

“But the biggest thank-you of all has to be to Gillian and Terry Varley of Bardsea Leisure who have been meticulous in the arrangements and have gone out of their way in their support for Alice’s Escapes.

“Of course none of this would have been possible without the incredible fundraising support that the charity has received, we hope that everyone who has supported the charity will be proud to view the caravan. We will be holding an official opening ceremony in March.”

lAlice’s Escapes trolley coin keyrings and pens are available at The Evening Mail, Barrow, and at Martins, Ulverston. More wristbands are expected soon.

First published at 13:21, Sunday, 27 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk