Aston University kicks off landmark Kids’ Village partnership with £200,000 pledge

Aston University has named Kids’ Village as its official Charity of the Year and committed £200,000 to help create the UK’s first purpose-built holiday village exclusively for critically ill children and vulnerable families.

Through the partnership, students from Aston’s Design Factory Birmingham will design a dedicated ‘Aston Lodge’ as part of the 10-cabin village on the 30-acre Wychnor site near Lichfield, while also supporting year-round fundraising and project initiatives.

Founded by the Fletcher family, who experienced the trauma and challenges of childhood critical illness first-hand when their daughter Sam Fletcher-Goodwin battled cancer, aged 9, the Kids’ Village project is inspired by their visit to ‘Give Kids the World Village’ in Florida over 20 years ago. 

Sam Fletcher-Goodwin, now 31, said: “Kids’ Village will be the total opposite of being in hospital.

“A literal breath of fresh air in the countryside and a chance for families to embrace the spirit of childhood and create magical memories together.

“I know first-hand what a transformational impact a break can have not just for the sick child, but for the whole family. Thank you to Aston University for partnering with Kids’ Village to deliver this positive impact and a UK first.”

Aston University has pledged to fund the construction of a four-bedroom Aston Lodge at Kids’ Village which, once built, will offer free of charge magical respite holidays to critically ill children and their families each year on ongoing basis.

Professor Aleks Subic, vice chancellor and CEO of Aston University, said: “Aston University is proud to support Kids’ Village’s mission to provide critically ill children and their families with a place to create precious memories in one of our region’s most beautiful natural settings.

“This partnership embodies our commitment to social impact and transforming lives, while offering our students meaningful opportunities to apply their skills and creativity for the most vulnerable members of our community.

“The collaboration exemplifies Aston’s vision as an Inclusive, Entrepreneurial and Transformational university, measured by the real-world impact we create for the communities we serve.”

Douglas Wright, chairman of Kids’ Village, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have partnered with Aston University which is a powerful example of how business can be a force for good and create lasting change in the lives of critically ill children and their families. We hope others are inspired to follow Aston University’s lead and be part of this legacy.

“A heartfelt thank you to Aleks and the university for their belief in our mission.”

To find out more about Kids’ Village, visit the website or email info@kidsvillage.org.uk

Pictured: From left – Sam Fletcher-Goodwin, Douglas Wright, Professor Aleks Subic and Katrina Cooke