Tara Mackings BEM is an outstanding individual who has dedicated her efforts to advancing disability equality and gender equality rights through the authentic leadership of her diverse team, advocacy work and meaningful collaborations with other businesses, not-for-profits and charities. Born with cerebral palsy, Tara's journey has been characterised by the pursuit of overcoming barriers and advocating for social inclusion. At just nine years old, she accomplished a miraculous feat by taking ten unaided steps, a testament to her indomitable spirit. Sadly, a subsequent operation confined her to a wheelchair, but that did not deter Tara. Leaving her family home at just 18 to enter the workforce, Tara encountered numerous setbacks, adversities, as well as gender and disability prejudices throughout her journey. However, these obstacles only fueled her resolve to prove her detractors wrong, and her indomitable spirit became her greatest strength.

Tara has faced enduring obstacles when it comes to participating in fitness and leisure activities throughout her life. She is now a female entrepreneur, Founder and Director of Tailored Leisure Co. and she has worked in the health and social care sectors for the past 20 years, influencing national change in this sector. The challenges she has faced as a woman with disabilities and mother of three are a significant part of her personal journey, shaping her perspective and motivation to advocate for greater inclusivity and accessibility in these areas.

Taking her children on holiday has always been a struggle for Tara. Her needs are so complex that travelling nationally is an epic challenge, and travelling abroad worse still. Yet, Tara attempted to do it anyway because everyone deserves a break. Every family deserves an opportunity to have a vacation, to make wonderful memories together and share in the fun of adventure that a short break can bring.

Recognizing the paramount significance of affordability, particularly for families with disabled parents and/or children, she has taken steps to ensure that the Accessible Luxury Caravan is available at a competitive price point. In addition to this, she has introduced the "Sponsor a Butterfly" program, allowing individuals to make donations aimed at providing free holidays to families who might otherwise be unable to access this opportunity.

We are actively pursuing sponsorship from local businesses to help offset the growing operational expenses, ensuring the continuity of this invaluable community service that offers accessible holidays to families in the North East. Presently, our annual running costs for the caravan amount to £15,000 per year.

Through our research of over 3,000 families we know the shortage of fully accessible, affordable short break accommodation is limited and we want to change that.

Please make any donation you can and when we reach our target we will ask other local charities to nominate families for their free stays and send you an update if you leave us your details. You will really see the difference your donation can make!

Keep up with the impact of your donation on our social media:

https://www.facebook.com/TailoredLeisureco

https://twitter.com/TailoredLeisure

Also check out our website for other services we provide to people with disabilities and long-term health conditions:

https://tailoredleisure.co.uk/

Any contribution to keeping this lifeline in the North-east available to the vulnerable families who, without it, have few to no other short break alternatives.

Have a look at our Accessible Caravan to see some the available features to support people with disabilities and long-term health conditions: