The UK’s first holiday village exclusively for children with critical illnesses and their families is appealing for contractors and suppliers who can support with groundworks and infrastructure at the Staffordshire site.
The appeal comes as the next phase of construction begins at the Kids’ Village site near Lichfield.
Crown Highways, based in Burntwood, has begun work on a 573-metre internal road that will connect 10 lodge plots, allowing families to drive directly to their individual four-bedroom lodge for a free week-long holiday at the site near Lichfield.
Mike Dale, Managing Director of Crown Highways, said: “We are incredibly proud to be part of such a meaningful project. Kids’ Village is more than just a construction site, it’s a place that will bring joy, comfort, and lasting memories to families who need it most.
“As a local business, it’s an honour to contribute our expertise to something that will have such a profound and positive impact on the lives of children and their loved ones.”
Doug Wright MBE, chairman of Kids’ Village, added: “We’re building something the UK has never seen before, a place where critically ill children and their families can enjoy a magical break together, free of charge in the beautiful countryside just a few miles outside of Lichfield.
“The internal road build is a significant milestone and we’re so grateful to Crown Highways for their contribution to the project, and also to everyone who has contributed to our capital appeal to date.”
Targeting a phased opening in 2027, Kids’ Village still needs to raise just over £1 million of the £3.3 million required to open to families. More than £2 million has already been secured through community fundraising, corporate support, and major gifts.
As part of the push to reach this target, 23-year-old ultra-runner Luke Bellingham, of Lichfield, is attempting to become the first person to run from Nordkapp, Norway – the northernmost point of Europe – to London, covering 2,722 miles in just 73 days.
Averaging 37 miles per day with no scheduled rest days, Luke’s challenge is the equivalent of running 95 consecutive marathons.
Luke, who works at Alpha Running in Lichfield, said: “After completing my first ultramarathon in aid of Kids’ Village and truly understanding their mission, I’ve been more motivated than ever to push my limits.
“When I discovered that a run from Norway to England had never been attempted, I knew this was my opportunity to attempt something truly unique.”
Amy Jacklin, fundraising executive at Kids’ Village, added: “Luke has dedicated the last six months to training and we have followed his journey very closely, after he entered into a local team event ‘One More Lap’ last year solo, raising £400 for Kids’ Village. We have been working with him to get ready for this huge adventure. A big thank you goes to Luke for taking on this challenge and everyone supporting him to get this far.”
If you are a contractor, company or individual who would like to support the project in any way or find out more, please contact info@kidsvillage.org.uk. You can donate to Luke’s challenge here.
