A NATIONAL charity dedicated to helping families will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a seaside walk at Lulworth Cove.

The Family Holiday Association will be beside the seaside on Bank Holiday Monday, taking part in a guided walk as part of the charity’s Seaside Walk Week.

The event will help raise money to support struggling families with children who are in desperate need of a break.

Families, holidaymakers and experienced walkers are all invited to sign up and explore the seaside with friends.

People can either do a short walk of 3.4 miles or a long walk of 8.6 miles.

Both walks start and finish at HF Holidays’ West Lulworth House. Refreshments will be provided at the end.

The Family Holiday Association has helped thousands of struggling families up and down the UK spend much-needed time together over the past year.

One mother, who wishes to be known as Kath, recently stayed near Weymouth.

She said: “My daughter doesn’t speak, but I could see the happiness in her eyes when she was on the beach.”

Alison Rice, chair of trustees at the Family Holiday Association, said money raised would see some families enjoy their first family holiday together.

She said: “By getting the chance to paddle in the sea, build that first sandcastle and share happy times just like other families, they can take home precious memories and a new sense of hope.

“We hope locals and visitors will be able to enjoy the walks in Lulworth Cove for our Seaside Walk Week, which in turn will help to make breaks possible for many of the families we support.”

Families in need are referred to the Family Holiday Association by professionals in the community.

TV presenter Neil Oliver, who acts as an ambassador for the Association, said: “I really want to encourage everyone lucky enough to enjoy holidays to support Seaside Walk Week. The money we raise will help children see the sea for the first time in their lives.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the seaside walk around Lulworth Cove can register at seasidewalkweek.org.uk It costs £15 per adult to register, £5 for children aged 5 to 16 and under-fives go free.

There is no minimum sponsorship required but each family or group is being encouraged to raise £40 or more.