Work underway at Staffordshire holiday village for critically ill children
Work on the first phase of a unique respite centre for critically ill children in Staffordshire has been completed, organisers say.
West Midlands-based national charity Kids Village is building the UK’s first dedicated holiday village for critically ill children at a 30-acre site in Wychnor, Staffordshire.
The completion of a staff office, car park, and dedicated viewing space marks the first tangible development at the site, and will allow supporters and potential funders to experience the vision first-hand, the charity says.
The project was founded by the Fletcher family, who were inspired by their visit to "Give Kids the World Village" in Florida over 20 years ago, after their daughter Sammie’s childhood battle with cancer.
Last year, Kids’ Village launched a £5 million capital appeal to fund construction, with over £1.6 million pledged to date.
"We’re incredibly grateful for the support from individuals, the community and corporate partners who have enabled us to start work at site and complete this first phase of works," said Doug Wright MBE DL, Chairman of Kids’ Village.
"We do though still have a long way to go to reach our £5 million target and alongside our on-going fundraising, we are looking to a small number of funders who may be able to pledge significant support. By inviting individuals to visit the site and see our vision for themselves, we are confident that ‘seeing is believing’—and that this will help unlock the next stage of capital funding.”
Sam Fletcher-Goodwin, Co-Founder of Kids’ Village, added: "This is a huge milestone for Kids’ Village. Walking our Trustees through the site last night reinforced just how special, calm, and perfect this location is for our vision.
"We are more determined than ever to raise the remaining funds and begin full construction as soon as possible. Kids’ Village is about joy, magic, and fresh air—the total opposite of a hospital stay. Nothing like this exists in the UK right now, and we urge anyone who can help us make this a reality to get in touch.”
