Devon holiday let owner's 'Treat our NHS' giveaway goes national

A campaign to reward NHS workers with holiday breaks is now being supported by major hotel chains across the country. From cabins to castles, more than 800 getaways are now being donated by the hospitality industry when the coronavirus crisis eases.

The offer of a free two night break in this Devon hayloft for a deserving health worker started a nationwide giveaway. Credit: ITV West Country

Sarah White's holiday let, a hayloft for two on the edge of Dartmoor at Ashburton, was fully booked in its first year. Now, faced with months without guests because of coronavirus and inspired by the fact that her neighbours on both sides work in the NHS, she came up with the idea of giving away a two-night break as a treat for a health worker, nominated through social media.

Sarah White's idea of supporting NHS workers has been taken up nationally. Credit: ITV West Country

The holiday let owner has revealed her winner - an intensive care nurse called Rachel Poulter. So, who nominated her?

  • Cornish doctor staying at holiday park during pandemic records bedtime stories for his children

Hundreds of holiday homes, B&Bs and hotels have now joined the giveaway, under the hashtag #TreatOurNHS.

The places on offer range from camper vans and shepherd's huts to luxury hotels - even a chateau in the south of France.

The Pig at Combe in Honiton will be welcoming NHS staff as its first guests when it reopens after the lockdown. Credit: ITV West Country

The Pig, which has hotels throughout the South West, says that when it opens its doors once more to the public, every single room in each of its hotels will be reserved for an NHS member of staff.

Sarah White is pleased to be able to help out during the lockdown. She added: "We know we'll get through this. We'll come out the other side and if there's something we can do that's positive in the meantime then fantastic."

  • Watch Bob Cruwys' report on the holiday giveaway that's gone national