Kids’ Village charity raises £119,000 at inaugural gala dinner

A capital fundraising appeal to build the UK’s first holiday village for critically ill children has been boosted thanks to a gala dinner which raised more than £100,000.

The inaugural Kids’ Village gala dinner at the Grand Hotel in Birmingham this month raised £119,000 towards the charity’s mission to build the village in the Staffordshire countryside.

And it was revealed during the event that £1.52m in pledges have now been received towards the £5m capital fundraising appeal. 

The Kids’ Village will be used exclusively by critically ill children and their families to enjoy respite holidays.

The charity was co-founded by cancer survivor Sam Fletcher-Goodwin and is led by chief executive Katrina Cooke and chair Doug Wright.

Hosted by Heart FM presenter Ed James, the gala dinner was attended by over 200 guests.

The event received support from sponsors including Wright Restaurants (t/a McDonalds), Lioncroft Wholesale, South & City College Birmingham, Awan Marketing, Mercia Design & Build and Hollywood Monster.

Fundraising on the night included a live and silent auction, a raffle and live pledges.

Katrina Cooke said: “The Kids’ Village Gala dinner sold out within days of going on sale earlier this year, and we are so grateful for the support of sponsors and guests in attendance last week.

“To raise over £100,000 in one night at our inaugural Birmingham dinner surpassed all expectations and this provides vital funds towards our capital appeal to build Kids’ Village just a few miles outside of Birmingham in Wychnor.”

Providing a broader update on the capital appeal, Doug Wright said: “Thank you to everyone who supported the gala in any way, including those who provided auction and raffle prizes, and those who attended and donated on the night.

“I was delighted to share with guests that we have now reached £1.52m in pledges since the Kids’ Village launch at the start of this year.”

To find out more about Kids’ Village and to register your interest in attending the 2025 Gala Dinner please visit kidsvillage.org.uk or email events@kidsvillage.org.uk

Pictured: From left – Doug Wright, Katrina Cooke, Sam Fletcher-Goodwin and Ed James