Ambitious Lichfield-based charity becomes Chamber patron
A Lichfield-based charity which is embarking on a £5m fundraising drive to build the UK’s first holiday village for children with critical illnesses has become a patron of the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce.
Kids’ Village will offer critically ill children and their families an escape from their day-to-day trauma by providing restful and magical stays at a purpose-built holiday village in Wychnor on the outskirts of Lichfield.
The project is inspired by Lichfield-born Sam Fletcher-Goodwin, who at the age of nine was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer known as Rhabdomyosarcoma.
Following her recovery, Sam and her family had the opportunity to experience the Give Kids The World Village resort in Florida and, since then, it has been Sam’s dream to create a similar destination for critically ill children in the UK.
Now, the ambitious national charity is on a mission to turn Sam’s vision into a reality by raising £5m to build the resort, comprising 10 four-bedroom lodges and a central facility known as ‘The Hive’.
The first phase of the project is being spearheaded by interim CEO Paul Faulkner, former chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), and chair Doug Wright, a GBCC patron.
And Kids’ Village will now look to engage with businesses in the local community through the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber.
In addition, the charity has become a patron of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and an 1813 Club member of Birmingham Chamber.
Paul Faulkner said: “While Kids' Village will have a national reach, the charity's heart and home are very much in the Lichfield area.
“As such, we are delighted to have joined the Chamber as patrons, thanks to the generous sponsorship of our chairman, Doug Wright, and look forward to engaging with the local business community.
“We are particularly keen to speak with businesses and leaders who may be considering charities to support for events or on an annual basis, and would be delighted to explore ways they could work with Kids' Village in partnership.”
Chris Brewerton, head of the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is tremendously exciting that a project such as Kids’ Village, which is not only inspiring but also a UK first, will be brought to life here in the Lichfield area.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the charity as a patron of the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber and look forward to working with the Kids’ Village team to raise awareness of their ambitious plans among the local business community.”
Find out more information about Kids’ Village.
Pictured: Chris Brewerton, Paul Faulkner and Kids' Village administrator Kelly Mahey
