I couldn't afford to take kids to to Disneyland so went without them

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

Sarah Reid, 44, has always wanted to go to the theme park in California and decided to go during her children's term times.

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

The couple enjoyed a week in California hitting up Disneyland and attending an epilepsy conference.

Mother-of-two Sarah, an author and fundraiser, from Bristol, said ahead of the trip: 'It's going to be the first time that my husband and I are travelling without the kids - it feels bittersweet.

'I've always wanted to go - I'm sad my children can't join me but they are only paying for me and my partner to go.

'You can't take children out of school without facing the financial repercussions of missed education.

'The grant from the charity could only cover so much of our trip, and the costs are incredibly high when traveling out of the school holiday period.

'If I was to take my children with me - I would be fined £100 per day.

'I've always wanted to visit Disneyland, especially since the charity I'm working with is based there, but the expenses are huge.'

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

Sarah's health problems started from early childhood - when she was diagnosed with epilepsy at age seven.

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Since then she has been on a raft of strong medication.

She said: 'I take nearly 20 tablets a day to manage my epilepsy, and I've had to learn how to manage my triggers, like stress, lack of sleep, or illness.

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

'The surgery has really reduced them, but I still need to stay on top of 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 those related to epilepsy.

She was desperate to go to Disneyland so she could visit 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 are looking after my daughter while I travel.

'My eldest, Damian, is 20, and goes to Cheltenham University and my youngest Lauren, 12, will be looked after by my kind parents for the week. '

Going out of the holidays also helps with Sarah's struggles with anxiety.

She said: 'I get anxiety, and crowded places can send my anxiety through the roof.

'Traveling during term time helps a little, as it's usually less busy, but it's still a lot to manage.'

Sarah works to raise awareness about epilepsy and supporting families dealing with the same struggles.

She said: 'I never want anyone to feel as though they're 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.'

Sarah had the support of trained airport staff when she flew to America - who drove her to the gate.

She said: 'It's comforting to know that 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 while her children are stuck in school and university.

Sarah said: 'My journey isn't easy, but I know it's important. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can help others who are going through similar struggles.'