NHS heroes free holiday scheme

Simply Owners Limited in Mansfield have more than 6,000 holiday properties on their books and are offering free and heavily-discounted breaks to our NHS and social care heroes.

Highlights of the scheme so far include two free weeks at a villa close to Disney World, Florida in the 2021 summer holidays, over 3000 UK breaks, and various stays in France and Spain.

Tim Parkes, owner of Simply Owners, is currently shielded due to his health. He was diagnosed with metastatic cancer 40 years ago and underwent extremely aggressive chemotherapy, which has left him requiring lifelong support from the NHS, including many intensive care stays and ongoing care at both King’s Mill and Nottingham City Hospitals.

Tim explains: “I kept seeing front line workers struggling and felt useless. NHS staff will need a break when this is all over, and had the idea that maybe the property owners on our site might be willing to offer them that break, so I approached them.”

Simply Owners have been stunned at the response.

Tim said: “I am truly humbled with some of the stories our owners have sent in, stating why they love the NHS so much.”

One holiday-home owner, Charles Rising, is accommodating a paramedic, Sally, in his Tideswell cottage free of charge until the pandemic is over.

She is unable to stay at home because her asthmatic mother is at high risk of catching coronavirus.

Charles said “Like Tim, the NHS has saved my life on at least two occasions, so I am pleased to do something in return.

“What Simply Owners has orchestrated is a great idea and I’m incredibly happy to participate."

Tim is amazed and humbled as more owners are joining the scheme to offer breaks.

“The Rainbow scheme makes me so proud, we are excited to be able to help get NHS and care staff the well-earned breaks they deserve after this crisis, especially those who have saved my life.” he added.

For more information, see their website simplyowners.net or visit their facebook page Simply Owners Ltd.