A HOLIDAY home bought in memory of a Bournemouth soldier has welcomed its first guests.

The caravan at Rockley Park by Poole Harbour provides cheap breaks for bereaved families or the families of injured servicemen.

It was bought by the Undentable Trust, the charity set up by the family and friends of Captain Mark Hale, 42, from Winton, killed in Afghanistan in 2009 as he helped a wounded colleague to safety.

Captain Hale was a keen fundraiser and the trust supports charities including Care For Casualties, the appeal of his former unit, The Rifles.

Sister Jo Brodie from Poole told the Echo: “We are really pleased with the caravan.

“We had a lovely ‘thank you’ card after the first visit and the lady said she would promote it to the army widows’ association.”

She added: “When a family goes though a trauma, the kids maybe do not get as much attention.

“This holiday is a good opportunity for the family to go and have good fun together.

“And people who have lost someone often don’t want to go abroad, it’s quite a big thing for them to deal with, so this way they can dip their toe back in the water and get a bit of confidence.”

The three berth caravan has six beds and the park facilities include a luxury spa, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, kids’ clubs and more.

The Undentable Trust, which was named in recognition of Mark Hale’s coolness under pressure, is also holding a fundraising gala dinner on Saturday, September 15 at the Highcliffe Marriott in Bournemouth.

Auction prizes include West End tickets, a year’s membership of LA Fitness, a signed Ross Kemp book, a road bike from Cycle Paths Poole, and a helicopter lesson from Bourne to Fly.

For details of the caravan and the gala visit www.the undentabletrust.co.uk