A father of four has praised the people of Barmouth for providing him and his family with a much-needed holiday – their first in five years since the birth of his youngest who has a life-threatening genetic condition.

Des Ward, a single parent from Skelmersdale, has told the Cambrian News how he and three of his four daughters, including one with a life-limiting illness, have been treated to a free holiday and food by kind-hearted locals.

“This is the first holiday we have had since Lola was born,” said Des.

“It was fantastic and a weight off my shoulders.”

Lola, who is five years old, has Mowat Wilson Syndrome and is unable to eat, speak or walk.

“She has no sleep pattern and rarely sleeps through the night, but she did in Barmouth,” he added.

The family, Des, 41; Paris, 18; Lily, 14; and Lola enjoyed a long weekend courtesy of the owners of Barmouth Beach Club, which opened in August at the end of the North Promenade to provide heavily discounted or in most cases free, holidays for people living with disabilities.

The family behind Barmouth Beach Club, the Olleys, have set it up to provide holidays for people who would otherwise have difficulty getting away.

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