The new caravan, based at Combe Haven Holiday Park in St Leonards-on-Sea in East Sussex, was funded by travel insurance provider Citybond Suretravel after the charity’s previous van was taken out of service at short notice due to wear and tear, putting “a number of holidays already promised to struggling families in jeopardy,” the FHA said.

The association, which provides breaks and day trips for families coping with problems such as long-term illness, bereavement, mental health issues, disability and domestic violence, officially opened the new caravan alongside Citybond managing director and FHA patron, Mansukh Ganatra.

The mobile home will provide week-long stays and short breaks to around 44 families each year.

Ganatra said: “The quality of the van is impressive and I’m sure it will provide a wonderful base for families in desperate need of a break. We were delighted to be able to help and ensure that every promised holiday was protected."

John McDonald, FHA director added: “Mansukh and Citybond Suretravel have been generous supporters of the Family Holiday Association for many years. We are extremely grateful for their intervention, which not only helped us with a short term problem but has also ensured that hundreds more children and their families will get a break in the coming years.

“These are families struggling with some of the toughest challenges life can bring, for which a simple caravan break by the British seaside can be life-changing."