Cornwall donates holidays to Grenfell Tower victims

Hundreds of pledges of holiday accommodation, travel money and entertainment vouchers have been made to the victims and heroes of the Grenfell fire disaster by the people of Cornwall.

It follows a Facebook campaign launched by Esme Page asking people to offer short breaks in Cornwall to the families and firefighters affected by the tragedy.

Writing on social media, Esmé Page says: "There are nearly 30,000 holiday homes in Cornwall and tourism is a vibrant part of our economy. There were 120 households in Grenfell Tower and 200 plus firefighters. My dream is that we could offer a holiday to all who wish it."

"Every day (well every hour actually) I’m moved by your kindness and support. The Pledge Registration Site: www.cornwallhugsgrenfell.org already has registrations of holiday weeks.

Donations are also coming in via justgiving to help with transport to Cornwall for the visitors. This is a beautiful community project and we want to make sure everyone can have a part in it."

The project has been so successful that Visit Cornwall has offered to liaise between different groups. Malcolm Bell, head of Visit Cornwall says:

"Cornwall is famous for its holidays. There are many people in London who are doing a lot for this but this is the most appropriate thing that Cornwall could offer."