The ambitious plans of local charity Torbay Holiday Helpers Network have got off to a great start with a big donation from the area’s biggest miniature attraction.

The Torbay Holiday Helpers Network (THHN) provides holidays to families who have seriously ill and bereaved children, recently bereaved families, couples who have lost a child and to families who have a terminally ill parent but are currently unable to accommodate families with high level care needs.  So, founder Luke Tillen recently decided to build a bungalow somewhere on the English Riviera which is fully equipped and able to provide everything that such families require.

Simon Wills, General Manager of Babbacombe Model Village, has got the ball rolling for the campaign with a donation of £500.  Simon said “I was really impressed with Luke’s idea when I heard about it.  This year we are celebrating the 50th Birthday of Babbacombe Model Village and we’re delighted to make a donation in support of this project and to help towards providing this brilliant facility.  It will be a fantastic resource and help the THHN provide even more holidays for people in this beautiful area.”  He added “The money will come from our charity account which is mostly funded from the Wishing Well here at the Model Village.”

Luke Tillen said “It’s a very generous donation and I hugely appreciate it.  Babbacombe Model Village has long been a great supporter of the work that we do.  As well as giving us this donation the Model Village is also one of many local attractions that all our guests are able to visit free of charge whilst on a THHN holiday.  It’s one of those places that’s great for both children and adults which makes it an idea place for our holidaying families to visit.”

To contact Luke for more information about the bungalow project either e-mail him at or call 01803 325152.