At Pollard’s Promises, we believe in celebrating those who selflessly give their all to others. In January 2025, we had the privilege of fulfilling a heartwarming wish for Leslie Makamure, a dedicated carer at Meadow View Care Home, providing him and his two children with a well-deserved family getaway to Centre Parcs Elveden Forest.

How the Wish Came to Us

Leslie’s journey with Pollard’s Promises began when his colleague, Leri Mabhena, discovered us through social media. Inspired by our mission, Leri submitted a nomination through our website, highlighting Leslie’s extraordinary dedication to his work and his family.

Leri described Leslie as someone who always puts others first, caring for his service users as if they were family and constantly supporting his teammates. Beyond his professional life, Leslie is a single father to two children, aged 14 and 8, who both share a love for the outdoors. Leri expressed that a family trip would be a meaningful way to give back to him for his unwavering kindness.

Making the Wish Happen

Once we received the nomination, our dedicated Wish Maker, Lauryl Rencontre, reached out to Leri to learn more about what would truly make a difference for Leslie and his family. It quickly became clear that an outdoor adventure would be perfect, and with the holiday season approaching, a family trip to Centre Parcs was the ideal choice.

To bring this wish to life, Lauryl contacted Centre Parcs to explain Leslie’s story and the work Pollard’s Promises does to support deserving individuals and families. Moved by the story, Centre Parcs generously offered a discount to help make the experience more accessible. Lauryl then coordinated all the logistics, ensuring everything was in place for Leslie and his children to enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable getaway.

The Experience

Leslie and his children stayed at Centre Parcs Elveden Forest from January 27th to 31st, where they explored the beautiful surroundings, reconnected as a family, and created lasting memories. Reflecting on the experience, Leslie shared:

"The news of this holiday was the best news ever for my children. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by an amazing staff team. We initially took a walk in the woods to soak up the atmosphere, my daughter even asked if we were in the right place and how I could afford a holiday like this!

The four nights we spent there felt like four months in the best way. The time away allowed us to reconnect, something that’s been challenging due to our busy work and school schedules. My children even said they’d do chores every day if it meant going back in the summer! This experience was truly priceless and has uplifted my mental health after a difficult year."

The Impact

This wish was more than just a holiday, it was a chance for Leslie to relax, recharge, and bond with his children away from the pressures of daily life. For Leslie’s family, the experience was a rare and cherished opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime.

For us at Pollard’s Promises, Leslie’s story embodies why we do what we do: to celebrate everyday heroes and bring joy to those who put others first.

Why It Matters

Leslie’s case highlights the importance of recognising and supporting carers who devote their lives to helping others. By fulfilling this wish, we not only gave a hardworking father and his children a special experience but also reminded them that their efforts do not go unnoticed.

Get Involved

Do you know someone like Leslie who deserves a special treat? Or a care recipient, or care team? We’d love to hear from you! Pollard’s Promises is committed to celebrating those who make a difference in their communities.

👉 Nominate someone special through our website: Click here.

Together, we can continue to spread kindness, one wish at a time. 💙

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