Windermere-based holiday lettings firm Laik Ltd has partnered with the Brathay Trust to offer a free stay in one of their luxury properties for a local family in need this Christmas.
Laik was founded in 2019 by Cumbrian couple Niall Mellonie and Marta Pawlik with the aim of supporting the local economy and community by encouraging visitors to the Lake District all year-round.
As well as providing luxury holiday accommodation, the firm manages private home rentals when local owners are not in residence – helping to support local shops, attractions, service providers and hospitality venues – in avoiding the low-season slump.
They have now partnered with the Brathay Trust, a local charity that provides life-changing community programmes to children, young people and families in need.
Niall said: “The Trust’s headquarters are very close to us, so we’ve got to see first-hand the great work they do with families and young people from across the region.
“We asked Brathay what help Laik could offer, which resulted in them matching us with a local family, who have recently been guests in one of our luxury properties for free.”
The family stayed at Laik’s Loughrigg Cottage at Ambleside, with transport, meals and activities included.
Niall added: “As a National Park, we think the Lakes should be accessible for everyone, in a way that respects and supports local communities, too.
“But for many families, especially in these tough times, the area can be equally inaccessible whether you’re one mile or a hundred miles away and for many people a holiday is simply not on the cards.”
