Cecchini’s Ayr have made the kind gesture of offering every family that stay at Whiteleys Retreat a discount voucher to enjoy a meal or an ice cream in their restaurant.

The move came about after Whiteleys appealed to businesses in the area to see how they could help with families at the respite centre and the team at Cecchini’s were only too happy to help.

Cecchini’s Ayr Manager Andrew Harrop was keen to get involved with helping out due to some personal experiences.

He told the Advertiser: “My mum has been a foster mother for 40 odd years, so I’ve seen lots of sights and I’ve seen kids that have not got a single thing. When you’ve got the ability to help, then I don’t see why anybody wouldn’t.

“It’s a small gesture from us that can make quite a bit of difference for some families so it was a no-brainer.”

The team are always looking at ways they can help out in the community.

Andrew added: “We’re always keen to help out when we can, with what we can.

“We’ve done raffles and sponsored nights and stuff like that, because it is important to give back when you can.”

A spokesperson for the retreat said: “We would like to say a HUGE thank you to Cecchini’s Ayr for providing a discount voucher to every family coming to stay for vital respite at Whiteleys Retreat.

“Our Partners in the Community, offering vouchers and discounts, makes such a difference to the children/ young people and their families. Averaged over the last few years, families list financial constraints as one of the top barriers to respite.

“One parent often has to give up work to give 24/7 care, attend clinical appointments, hospital stays, on top of ‘normal’ hectic family life. On behalf of these families, our sincerest thanks to Cecchini’s Ayr for their generous support.”