Hero Paul helps Devon holidaymakers aim high
Royal Marine hero and Invictus Games champion Paul Vice was the VIP guest last week (31 March) at the opening of a new climbing wall at a popular Devon holiday park.
Paul, who was awarded the military cross for his bravery, took time out to officially open the latest guest attraction at Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Budleigh Salterton.
Covering 83 square metres and with 14 different routes available, it’s likely to prove a great hit this year with both children and grown-ups on the multi-award winning park.
The wall was officially declared open by Corporal Paul Vice at a special ceremony attended by members of the park-owning Carter family and other guests.
Paul became known as “the commando who refused to die” after suffering 100 injuries in an Afghanistan explosion in 2011, and ‘died’ twice as he was airlifted back to Camp Bastion.
The husband and father-of-four, who was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery during two previous incidents, had more than 400 pieces of shrapnel and stones removed from his body.
After surgery he recovered, and his determined spirit has seen him compete in subsequent years at Invictus Games, the international Paralympics created by Prince Harry.
Paul once again returned victorious from last year’s games in Orlando with a raft of medals.
Ladram Bay director Zoe House said that she and the other members of the Carter family felt incredibly honoured that Paul had agreed to open the park’s new climbing wall.
She said that heroes like Paul had helped give inspiration for others to go out and take on new challenges, such as that provided by the new climbing wall.
General manager Claire Williams added that today more than at any other time in the park’s 70-plus year history, families were keen to enjoy active leisure on their holidays.
In response, Ladram Bay has provided a host of opportunities including a recently opened new swimming pool complex with interactive splash zone, and an adventure golf course.
On the park’s private beach, guests can also hire watersports equipment including boats and kayaks.
As well as holiday homes to buy, Ladram Bay has a choice of rented accommodation, including new super-luxury holiday homes and glamping pods, plus touring pitches.
Ladram Bay boasts a top five-star accolade from VisitEngland, and a raft of other awards including a top gold rating from botanist David Bellamy for its environment care.
Meanwhile, its new climbing wall will be welcomed not just by Ladram Bay’s guests, for it is also available to other holidaymakers visiting the area, and to local residents.
Qualified climbing instructors will be in attendance during climbing sessions, and all users will receive a full safety briefing from staff.
There is more information about Ladram Bay Holiday Park at www.ladrambay.co.uk
