Mum screams with joy as kids enjoy first seaside holiday thanks to Mirror readers

Watching her three kids splash around in the pool and flying down the slides, Samantha Peat soaked up the joy of their first family holiday.

And she wants to say “thank you” to generous Daily Mirror readers who made it possible.

Like many parents the 25-year-old struggles to get by and a break by the seaside was out of reach.

But that changed thanks to the Family Holiday Association, and our Give Kids a Seaside Smile summer appeal charity.

Samantha Peat and her children enjoying their first summer holiday together on the beach in Devon (FLASHFOTO)

Samantha and Mckenzie, seven, Khaleesi, four, and Johnny, three, enjoyed a three-night break at Haven’s Devon Cliffs holiday park.

And the full-time mum said: “I really appreciate everything the Daily Mirror has done and am so grateful for all of it.

“The readers have raised a lot of money for the charity , which is lovely. It’s a great cause.

“I always make sure the kids have what they need but saving for holidays can be hard.

“So when I was told that we were going, I screamed because I was so excited.”

Samantha says her children understand that money is tight and “don’t expect too much”.

So they were thrilled when they found out they were going away.

She said: “Their reaction was just ‘Wow!’... It was amazing to see them so excited.

“Mckenzie has huge eyes but they grew bigger when I showed him photos of where we were going – especially when he saw the pool.”

Devon is a popular haunt for Brit holidaymakers - and your generosity meant Samantha Peat and her young family had the time of their lives (PA)

Samantha, from Camborne, Cornwall, took her mum Donna Hawkins, 45, to Devon too.

The family spent hours in the pool – which has a flume, play area and multi-lane water ride.

“It was brilliant,” Samantha added. “We could also see the sea from where we were staying. I felt so privileged.”

The break was especially welcome after a tough few years.

Last year, Samantha’s relationship with her children’s father broke down and she also struggles with her mental health.

But she is on good terms with her ex now and is feeling better after getting the right medication.

Samantha said: “I want to thank the Family Holiday Association and say how much I appreciate it.

“It’s important children get a break from normal life.

“You learn so much on holiday – and it’s nice to just have fun.”