We were very sorry to hear from Chris Pashley of Tadworth , Surrey that his partner Jean had been very poorly. However, we were very flattered and charmed to hear that, when asked where she wanted to go for her first break when she was well enough, she chose Laugharne Park without hesitation. And that is by no means the end of the story. So if you enjoy a real life 'feel good' love story, this is it folks! And may we offer our congratulations to Chris and Jean . . . or does that give you all too much of a clue?
 
'On Sunday 19th September 2009, Jean and I arrived at Laugharne for a week’s break. Jean had been experiencing a few angina symptoms but braved the hills of Wales and thoroughly enjoyed re-exploring the locality.

'We returned home to Surrey on 26th September and three days later, on 29th, Jean suffered a double heart attack and brain bleed. She was rushed to Epsom Hospital and from there to St Thomas’ where she underwent angioplasty and had two stents fitted. The next few days were touch and go and my nights were spent fearing the worst and believing that she would have no memories of our travels, even if she survived. On the second day, I arrived at the hospital and she was able to feebly ask: 'What’s happened to me?' 'You’ve had a heart attack', I responded. 'That was silly, wasn’t it?' she whispered.

In my desperation I said: 'You’ve got to get better for me' and added 'If you do, I’ll buy you a big solitaire diamond engagement ring'. We had been living as partners for some 12 years but I knew the magical transformation that the mention of diamonds could bring whenever she felt down in the dumps. From this point on, she started a slow recovery and would mention this diamond to all her visitors, although she has no recollection of it now. She did not even see the view of the Thames out of her 9th floor window, a £500 a night hotel view, even if the suite wasn’t up to that standard. No detriment to St Thomas’ who were wonderful and provided five star room service!

To cut a long, rollercoaster of a story short, after a month, the local hospital physios gave the go ahead for her to return home and she has progressed slowly but surely. Long term memory has been preserved and she fondly remembers Laugharne Park. So much so that, when I asked her where she would like to go away for a few days, she came out with no hesitation, 'Laugharne Park'. True to my word, I pledged my troth at Christmas and she received her ring.

So in an indirect, and not altogether optimal way, Seasons Holidays has been instrumental in this betrothal, even if it is rather late in life. Quiet breaks at Seasons UK resorts are the order of the day for us in the future. No high season beach hotels or energetic activity holidays will be on our menu but then, that’s the value of Seasons. I’m no longer ‘'a man for all Seasons' but there will always be a Seasons for me and there will always be men for all Seasons.’