Holly’s Story
Christmas was something that didn’t happen in Holly’s life when she was younger. Her first memories of the festive season were watching other children through decorated shop windows, buying presents with their parents. Meanwhile, Holly sat on the street outside, cold, hungry, and praying for a Christmas miracle.
Thankfully, Holly got the help she needed, and now lives with an amazing foster family who give her lots of love. But after the things Holly has been through in her short life, she still struggles with confidence. Holly’s social worker felt she would benefit from time away, somewhere where she could make friends, have new experiences and rediscover joy.
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Holly didn’t know what to expect, and was initially very shy and cautious. But her time at Go Beyond was better than anything she could’ve imagined. At first, Holly thought the minibus had taken a detour to The North Pole, as she took in the twinkling lights of the Centre which would be her home away from home for the next five days. As she walked through the door, delicious smells wafted from the nearby kitchen, and she excitedly raced to her new bedroom with the other girls. Holly was even given a new pair of pajamas, which she wore when she collapsed into the comfiest bed she’d ever known at the end of a jam-packed day.
At the Rock Climbing Centre, Holly was hesitant due to a fear of heights. Despite this, she took the challenge head on, as she began to scale the wall. With lots of encouragement, she climbed all the way to the top, turning round to see the beaming smiles of the Break Leaders and new friends as they applauded her achievement.
As Holly found her confidence, she opened up and started chatting to the other girls. She met Eve, who lived with adoptive parents just like her, and it made her feel less alone. To celebrate the end of the week, the group delighted in a big Christmas feast, complete with all the trimmings. Finding their places around a candlelit table glistening with tinsel, Holly and her friends could tell this would be a Christmas to remember. The food was so tasty, and Holly thought about how lucky she was to have a full tummy. Not only did her tummy feel full, but so did her heart, and she pulled crackers and laughed at silly jokes with her new friends.
Thanks to Go Beyond, Holly had experienced the time away she desperately needed, facing her fears, finding confidence, and simply having fun. She wondered what she had done to get so lucky, and was grateful to whoever had made her dreams come true. This was Holly’s most magical Christmas ever.
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*Children’s names and some of their story details have been changed to protect their identities.
