I couldn’t afford to take my children to Disneyland during school holidays – so I went without them

A mother went to Disneyland without her children because she couldn’t afford to take them during the school holidays.

Sarah Reid, 44, always wanted to go to the theme park in California and decided to go during her children’s school holidays.

Sarah – mother to Damian, 20, and Lauren, 12 – was able to secure a grant through epilepsy charity the Danny Did Foundation in November 2024, but it only covered costs for her and her husband, Mark, 49 .

The couple enjoyed a week in California, visiting Disneyland and attending an epilepsy conference.

Mum-of-two Sarah, a writer and fundraiser from Bristol, said ahead of the trip: ‘It will be the first time my husband and I have traveled without the children – it feels bittersweet.

‘I’ve always wanted to go. I’m sad that my children can’t come, but they only pay for me and my partner to go.

‘You cannot take children out of school without experiencing the financial consequences of missed education.

‘The charity’s grant could only cover so much of our trip, and the costs are incredibly high if we travel outside the school holidays.

Pictured: Sarah Reid and husband Mark at Disneyland, California. Mum-of-two Sarah said ahead of the trip: ‘It will be the first time my husband and I have traveled without the kids – it feels bittersweet’

The couple enjoyed a week in California, visiting Disneyland and attending an epilepsy conference. Here Sarah is pictured at an epilepsy charity event in California

Sarah is mother to Damian, 20 (pictured), and Lauren, 12. She was able to secure a grant through the Danny Did foundation – an epilepsy charity to go to Disneyland, but that only covered the costs for her and her man.

‘If I took my children with me I would be fined £100 a day.

‘I’ve always wanted to go to Disneyland, especially as the charity I work with is based there, but the costs are enormous.’

Sarah suffers from a number of health conditions, including epilepsy, OCD, borderline and personality disorder.

Sarah’s health problems began in early childhood, when she was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of seven.

Since then she has been taking a series of strong medications.

She said: ‘I take almost 20 tablets a day to manage my epilepsy, and I have had to learn to manage my triggers, such as stress, lack of sleep or illness.

‘My epilepsy used to be much worse. Before I had brain surgery in 2016, I was having five seizures a day.

“The surgery has really reduced them, but I still have to look after my health every day.”

While she struggles with her health, Sarah remains focused on her advocacy and has raised £18,000 for various charities, including epilepsy-related charities.

She really wanted to go to Disneyland so she could attend a conference for an epilepsy charity event.

The mother flew to California on November 14, 2024, leaving her children with her parents.

Sarah said: “My parents look after my daughter while I travel.

‘My eldest, Damian, is twenty and goes to Cheltenham University and my youngest Lauren, twelve, is being cared for by my kind parents for a week. ‘

Sarah suffers from a number of health conditions, including epilepsy, OCD, borderline and personality disorder. Sarah’s health problems began in early childhood, when she was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of seven. Here she is pictured with Damian

Sarah works to raise awareness of epilepsy and support families facing similar challenges. When flying to America, Sarah had the support of trained airport staff who took her to the gate. Here Sarah is pictured while in California

Going away for the holidays also helps Sarah’s struggle with anxiety.

She said: ‘I get anxiety, and crowded places can make my anxiety skyrocket.

‘Travelling during school terms helps a bit as it’s usually less busy, but it’s still a lot to manage.’

Sarah works to raise awareness of epilepsy and support families facing similar challenges.

She said, “I never want anyone to feel like they are alone in their journey. That’s what keeps me going, knowing that I can make a difference, even if it’s just for one person.”

When flying to America, Sarah had the support of trained airport staff who took her to the gate.

She said: ‘It’s reassuring to know I have that support, especially when traveling with a condition like epilepsy.’

Sarah was determined to make the trip a success and enjoy herself, even though her children are stuck in school and college.

Sarah said: ‘My journey is not easy, but I know it is important. I hope that by sharing my experiences I can help others who are going through similar struggles.”