GROUND has been broken at a ceremony marking the first phase of the development of a new respite holiday site for children with critical illnesses near Lichfield.
Kids’ Village will be based at land at Wychnor with a £5million fundraising effort underway to create ten four-bedroom lodges and a central facility.
The first phase of the project has seen work begin on a single-story site office, viewing area and small car park at the site.
Kids’ Village chairman Doug Wright MBE said:
“This is a significant milestone and exciting day.
“We have been able to break ground and start this pre-phase of building works as a direct result of the support and donations received this year and look forward to welcoming funders up to site in early 2025.
“While we can’t provide definitive timeframes for the full build as this is dependent on the fundraising capital appeal. Our hope is that we can proceed to the full building works starting as soon as possible.”
The project is the brainchild of local resident Sam Fletcher-Goodwin who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer as a child.
Following her recovery, both she and her family visited a specialist resort in Florida – and is now keen to create a similar destination in the UK.
Sam said:
“The idea to build Kids’ Village began nearly 20 years ago, so to see work beginning is incredibly exciting for both me and my family.
“After having cancer and an uncertain future as a child, I’m so grateful to be healthy now and that drives me to help children going through similar situations as me.
“The mission is to give children with critical illness and their families hope, countryside escape and the chance to make precious memories in a safe, fun and understanding environment.
“We are so grateful for all of the support and generosity we’ve been shown up until this point and we can’t wait to see our vision come to life.”
For more information visit kidsvillage.org.uk or email info@kidsvillage.org.uk.
Looks a bit wet ? I hope it isn’t in the flood plain ?
Grumpy the whole of Lichfield is on the Trent valley flood plain including the catheter and the city centre.
@mike.
(a) no it isn’t.
(b) catheter?