& their families
The first holiday village of its kind in the UK
INTDUCING DS VIAGE
At Kids’ Village, our mission is to build the UK's first holiday village exclusively for critically ill children and their families to stay and enjoy a short respite holiday together, free of charge
There are over 85,000 children and young people living with a life limiting condition in the UK.
For families of children facing critical illness, every moment counts. But in between hospital visits, round-the-clock care, and the unpredictable twists of each day, life can feel lonely and overwhelming.
That’s why we’re creating a magical place for sick children and their families. A place where sick kids can embrace the spirit of childhood, where families can reconnect and create cherished memories one moment at a time.
Kids’ Village has a 30 acre site and planning permission to build 10 x 4 bedroom lodges, a central facility and the capacity to host 4000 guests per year in a central UK location in Wychnor.
Our aim is to positively impact both parent and child mental health and well-being, harnessing the healing power of nature and the benefits that time spent outdoors in the beautiful British countryside can bring, all while helping families create joyful, lasting memories together.
With £1.6 million funding secured, we are now seeking an additional £3.4 million to raise the funds to build this vital project
We invite individuals and organisations who share our vision to join us on this incredible journey
Together, we can create a place that brings hope, healing, and joy to families facing life’s toughest challenges.
Douglas Wright MBE DL
Chairman
Sam Fletcher-Goodwin
Founder
Katrina Cooke CEO
SAM’S STORY
The story of Kids' Village begins over 20 years ago with the Fletcher family, and in particular, their eldest daughter, Samantha Fletcher. When Sam was just 9 years old, she was diagnosed with cancer after finding a lump on the side of her face.
The diagnosis turned the Fletcher family’s world upside down, and Sam’s future was uncertain. Yet, her parents, Gary and Claire, made a promise to keep her focused on the future and the dreams she had for when she got better.
During Sam’s cancer treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the Fletchers discovered a special place in Florida, USA, called Give Kids The World Village. This unique holiday village, located near Disney World, welcomed families with critically ill children, offering them a chance to enjoy a holiday in a supportive, understanding environment.
Sam had a poster at the end of her hospital bed, listing all the things she dreamed of doing once she was better, and a visit to Give Kids The World Village was at the top of that list.
In 2004, Sam, along with her parents and two sisters, made the journey to Florida to stay at this extraordinary holiday village. Sam describes the experience as straight out of a child’s imagination with ice cream for breakfast, weekly Christmas celebrations, and magical trips to Disney World! The Fletchers were able to enjoy precious time together in a safe, welcoming environment, far removed from the hospital ward.
Sam’s parents recall the comfort of being surrounded by other families who truly understood their struggles. It was also the first time Sam felt comfortable enough to go without wearing a wig. Their experience was nothing short of magical. But they were among the lucky few who had the opportunity to go.
Now, 20 years on, Sam and the Fletchers are close to making the UK’s first Kids’ Village a reality, and offering families here a chance to experience that same feeling of joy, comfort and memories made together.
OUR JOURNEY SO FAR
2004
The Big Idea Had the idea to create a ‘Kids' Village’ In the UK, inspired by a trip to GKTWV in the USA.
2014 2018
The Search Begins! Began the search for suitable land. Over the years, we looked at many sites across the Midlands but hit various issues when analysing or beginning preparations.
Kids' Village is Registered as a Charity We registered Kids' Village as an official charity and began to raise awareness and raise money.
2023
2023
Planning permission granted and Lease signed. Appointment of Douglas Wright MBE as Chairman
2024
January Launch of £5m capital appeal July
Appointment of Katrina Cooke as CEO October
Campaign update announced with £1.62m funds pledged this year
Today, we are proud to be bringing this vision into reality... raising £3.4 million to build Kids’ Village, initially comprising of 10 lodges and a central facility known as the Hive.
Kids’ Village will partner with ‘Best Friend’ organisations to offer week-long, free of charge respite holidays to critically ill children and their families. Kids’ Village Best Friends are charities that work closely with children suffering with critical illness and their families. Once a family has been nominated, Best Friends will be able to access our reservation system and book their stay at Kids’ Village.
Upon arrival, families will be welcomed to their own 4 bedroom lodge on the site, where the biggest bedroom is saved for the child!
The luxurious lodges will be self-catering, with breakfast served in the central ‘Hive’ facility each morning and a range of party events, festival celebrations, and outdoor and indoor activities planned for families throughout their stay at Kids’ Village.
Our Impact Aims are directly linked to our values which guide us on every step of our journey to building and then operating Kids’ Village.
These are;
How can I help?
Follow @kidsvillagecharity on social media, sign up to our newsletter and help raise awareness of our story
Fundraise – lots of ideas on our website including places at running events, staff challenges or organize an event at your office!
Volunteer – we are currently looking for fundraising volunteers to join our team
Charity of the year – we’d love to partner with your organization and are currently looking for partnerships for 2025 and beyond!
In-kind support – more details to be shared in early 2025 about partnership opportunities
SPONSOR A DGE
Eight lodges remaining
Each lodge will support 50 family holidays per year
A place for respite and relaxation for the whole family (up to 8 guests)
Sponsorship includes logo & naming rights
Sponsor a space in e hive
Naming rights for the different spaces issued in perpetuity.
Work with our design team to customise certain aspects of The Hive interior to reflect your support.
Opportunities to engage with Kids' Village families, at a range of special partner events.
Recognition on our 'Friends of Kids' Village' wall.
Foow our Journey
Every donation brings us one step closer to making Kids' Village a reality and providing much-needed support to families across the UK.
Together, let’s build Kids' Village, brick by brick, and create something truly special – the first of its kind in the UK. Pledge your support and join us on this journey:
@KidsVillageCharity www.kidsvillage.org.uk
