Families had the chance to create wonderful memories at Center Parcs after being given the opportunity to attend a Winter Wonderland day at the Penrith venue.

Cumbria children’s hospice, Jigsaw, offered 10 families a little respite. Visits included a trip to Santa’s woodland workshop, access to all the decorations, an enchanted light trail and access to shops, Starbucks and Leisure Bowl, for food and drink.

The visits were made possible due to the charity partnership between Center Parcs and Together for Short Lives, which represent children’s hospices across the UK and help to raise awareness of the vital care and support that hospices provide to people with life-limiting illnesses.

Karen Dixon, from Carlisle, attended the day with her children Stevie, 8, Payton, 5 and Darcey, 13. Stevie has a chronic lung disease after being born four months prematurely.

She said: “We went to see Santa and we went swimming. It was nice to go swimming in the outside pool in the dark.” She added that slots were allocated to restrict the numbers in the pool and on the slides, which was better for them, saying that Stevie is “an adrenaline junkie” and her face had been priceless when she came down the slides.

Karen thanked Jigsaw for giving Stevie the opportunity to do the day, everyone had had a great time and to thank them for other respite events that they have held, such as sibling days.

Sarah-Louise Cheaney and her son Cameron Murray, eight, from Workington, also had a great day there and said it has been a rough year.

Cameron has treacher-collins syndrome, has a tracheotomy and is deaf and due to his medical needs had been isolating all year, so this was the first chance that they had to get out.

Cameron particularly liked one of Santa’s mischievous elves, Rocket, who he talked about all the way home.

Sarah-Louise said: “Staff were amazing. Cameron communicates through an eye-pad and Santa was very patient with him.” He also went on a pony ride through the decorated forest. She added: “Jigsaw house are great and they provide respite every now and then giving us a break every few months.”

Sarah-Louise said: “A massive thank you to Jigsaw, it was such a hard year and it was great to be able to go and do something normal and get into the Christmas spirit.”

Further information about the partnership can be found at: www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk/get-involved/company-giving/corporate-partnerships/center-parcs/.