As many of you may know, I was fortunate enough to go on a trip recently, with the amazing charity, Caudwell Children. I joined the charity on their annual ‘Destination Dreams’ trip, which takes 25 children with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions and their families to Florida.

I’ve been a Goodwill Ambassador of Caudwell Children for a number of years now, attending their Butterfly Balls, supporting them and even performing there when my first solo album came out. I’ve since been asked to be an Ambassador for the Destination Dreams trip which I was delighted to be able to be a part of. Going to Florida with the charity was my first opportunity to really find out first hand where the money donated to the charity goes and how much it is needed and appreciated by everyone that it helps.

Destination Dreams is so special. Caudwell Children allow children to be children no matter what their age, health or background and their families can enjoy their time together, safe in the knowledge that there is 24 hour support for the children at all times from such a fantastic team of volunteers and medics, who give up their personal time to make sure each family is able to have the holiday of their dreams. I loved spending time with them and with the families who were there and loved meeting all of the gorgeous children. It was genuinely a trip of a lifetime for me and a pleasure to be part of. It’s so hard to put into words the experience that I had and to express how special this trip really was. They say that pictures speak 1,000 words, so here are some of the best ones from the trip… I didn’t stop smiling the whole time that I was there!

I have a number of really precious memories that will stay with me forever but being able to watch all of the families, laugh, play and relax with each other was incredible and really touching. It was an emotional time. Having spoken to a number of the parents, it became really clear that often they’re unable to spend real quality time with all the children in their family in equal measures, but Destination Dreams allows parents to do that with the support of all of the volunteers who make the trip so special for everyone involved. It was so inspiring and I was completely blown away by everything I experienced. I even got to meet the real Elsa and Ana at Magic Kingdom with one of the loveliest little girls, Olivia and her family – I’m not sure who was most excited 😉

Without Caudwell Children and their team of medics and volunteers, many of these families wouldn’t be able to get away, whether it be due to the cost of insurance, travel or the risk of flying with all the medical equipment, or because the children need to be under 24 hour medical care, but Destination Dreams gives families the opportunity to get away from the day to day struggles that they face and have the most amazing holiday in America to create memories that will last forever.

A big thank you to everyone involved and the team at Caudwell Children for inviting me to share such an incredible experience with you all. I’m so privileged to have been part of something so special. If you’re interested to support or to find out more then please do by clicking this link, www.caudwellchildren.com
Love Rachel x