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These Women Are Organising Free Holidays For Grenfell Tower Victims And Emergency Services

These Women Are Organising Free Holidays For Grenfell Tower Victims And Emergency Services
Angie Mays (right) and Kay Gilbert
Angie Mays
Angie Mays (right) and Kay Gilbert
PA Wire/PA Images

Members of the public are offering free holidays to those who lost their homes in the Grenfell Tower fire, as well as members of the emergency services who helped tackle the blaze.

The initiative was set up by friends Angie Mays and Kay Gilbert, from Ilfracombe, Devon, who told the BBC they “just wanted to do something to help”.

The pair set up the Facebook group ‘Grenfell Tower Holiday Appeal’ to ask those with holiday homes, spare rooms or transport to help.

“We are asking for free donation of holidays to all those affected by the fire, victims, their families and the fire fighters,” the page says.

“We hope in time they will be able to have a much needed break away free of charge and have some respite away from the horrendous situation. Transport, food you name it, whatever you want to donate let us know. Thank you to every one for your support.”

Angie Mays (right) and Kay Gilbert
Angie Mays
Angie Mays (right) and Kay Gilbert

The page has already received more than 100 messages from holiday home owners who’ve said they’re happy to offer a free stay.

Locations available range from Exmoor and the Cotswolds to Ibiza and Cyprus.

Others have offered to put on respite activities, such as face painting to “cheer up” the children affected and free foot massages for the adults.

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While the outpouring of offers has been heartwarming, Mays told HuffPost UK she is desperately seeking help towards travel arrangements and costs to make these dream holidays into a reality.

Anyone who can offer assistance with housing, transport or food is invited to get in touch with Angie Mays and Kay Gilbert via the Holiday Appeal Facebook page.

Alternatively, the friends have recently set up a JustGiving page, where all donations will go towards the holidays.

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