Gedney Broadgate campsite appeals for volunteers for Ukrainian families and children's charity

Owners of a Gedney Broadgate campsite have launched an appeal for donations and volunteers to help support two special weekends they are hosting.

Andy and Emma Bacon, of Laurel Park Campsite in Huntsgate, are planning two free events - one in September for Ukrainian families and their hosts from the surrounding area, and another for a charity supporting children affected by life-limiting conditions next spring.

Emma says their guests will be offered free and exclusive use of the campsite and its facilities over both weekends, while they also hope to offer other activities including children’s face painting, food vans and a communal barbecue.

To help fund the events the couple have launched two GoFundMe Pages, which are linked to their own website, and say that any money left over after their costs have been covered will be donated to relevant charities.

“We just wanted to do something to help and provide some extra support,” Emma said.

“The idea of the first event is to bring together Ukrainian families and their hosts from the surrounding area, to create a positive experience with each other.

“We want to provide them with somewhere outdoors, in nature, and with animals where their children can be safe, where they can talk to each other and make a connection with other people from the same country, with the same language - to make a community.”

Emma added that there are networks on Facebook – including Host Ukrainian Refugees Lincolnshire Network – where people can donate camping equipment ahead of the event too.

Next year, the couple are planning to host a second free event for Sunflowers Children Action Group Lincoln - which offers help and support to children who have life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families.

Since taking over Laurel Park Campsite three-and-a-half years ago, Andy and Emma have transformed the facility.

It has 16 pitches with electric hook ups, as well as two glamping tents and two railway goods wagons that have been painstakingly restored into luxury glamping units.

Other on-site facilities include a yoga barn and meditation garden for workshops and retreats, covered communal areas, and animals including donkeys, guinea pigs, rabbits, goats, ducks and chickens which guests can also enjoy and help with during their stay.

l To find out more about Laurel Park Campsite - and to make a donation to the weekend camping events - visit www.lpcampsite.co.uk