Ground broken on Kids’ Village site in Staffordshire
Kids' Village, the UK’s first respite holiday village for children with critical illnesses and their families, has officially broken ground at its site in Staffordshire.
The first phase of work is underway to build a single-story site office, viewing area, and small car park at the site in Wychnor, near Lichfield.
The site office will be used as a base for the Kids’ Village team and a space where existing and prospective funders and partners are able to view the site and hear more about the charity’s plans.
Once the Kids’ Village is open, the site office will become the management accommodation.
Kids’ Village is inspired by Lichfield-born Sam Fletcher-Goodwin, who, over 20 years ago, 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 visit 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’.
Kids’ Village chairman Doug Wright MBE said: “This is a significant milestone and exciting day for Kids’ Village.
“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.”
Sam Fletcher-Goodwin, co-founder of Kids’ Village, 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 or to support Kids’ Village, please visit kidsvillage.org.uk or email info@kidsvillage.org.uk
Pictured (top): Kids' Village CEO Katrina Cooke with Doug Wright
