Kids’ Village was uniquely founded by a family who know exactly what the pain and worry feels like when you have a child with a life-threatening illness. Gary and Claire’s daughter Sammie, who’s now 29, was diagnosed with cancer aged 9. The future was uncertain and there were years of operations, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and worry…
During this difficult time, the family visited a place in America called ‘Give Kids the World Village’ which inspired them to create the same magic here in the UK.
In 2018 Kids’ Village was founded by Gary, Claire and Sammie and they began to share their plans and look for special spot to be home to Kids’ Village. A local farming family believed in the vision and donated a piece of land. Crucially, this peaceful place is set in beautiful english countryside but still close to main access routes. The first job was to gain planning permission. Following lots of complications and set backs, there was a positive outcome from the planning committee in 2022 and permission was granted in 2023. You can read more about the journey so far here.
The Village itself will include 10 lodges and a central facility, supporting more than 4,000 people each year.
The Kids’ Village team is now made up of specialist people who, along side the Fletcher family, are dedicated to make Sammie’s dream a reality.
To be told you have cancer at nine years old is understandably a shock. At the time I had no idea what impact those difficult years would have on me. But when I look back now, I wouldn’t change a thing…Sammie Fletcher
Today, 2003 feels like a distant memory, a different life. I’m incredibly grateful to be able to enjoy what I hope will be a long and fulfilling life. But the experience I had at 9 years old changed me forever.
I was diagnosed with cancer (called Rhabdomyosarcoma) after finding a fast-growing lump in the side of my face at 9 years old. After hearing the news I remember sitting in the sickly bright children’s hospital bathroom and wondering if I was going to die. It’s true that my future was uncertain, we had no choice but to continue on with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgeries. Whilst in hospital I found it very difficult to see that I would ever have a ‘normal’ life again. I felt so different from my friends and wished to have my hair back and be like them. The treatment felt never ending and I couldn’t bring myself to play with toys or even enjoy films or the activities that the wards had organised. I remember wondering how many Birthdays I would have and promised myself that If I did get to have anymore then I would have huge celebrations. Anybody who knows me now- will vouch that I have truly committed to this for the last 20 years!
During treatment my parents worked hard to keep me focused on life after cancer. They made me an ‘image board’ and put on it all the things I wanted to do when I was better. I wanted to get my ears pierced, I wanted to swim with dolphins and I wanted to go to place we had heard about called ‘Give Kids The World Village’ in Florida. We stuck images on the board, which had my face on cut out figures from holiday magazines. That board was at the end of every hospital bed and it became my hope and my focus during the most difficult moments.
After my last treatment, I got to turn that ‘image board’ into my reality- it was the most impactful experience of my life!
With my mum, my dad, my two sisters and my gran, I got to live out my dream and go to ‘Give Kids the World Village’ in Florida. It was the total opposite of being in hospital, everything was about fun, joy and childlike ‘magic’, that’s the only way I can describe it. We indulged in the happiness and time together, all whilst in a safe bubble surrounded by other families just like us. I could leave my wig at home without the fear of people staring at me.
Now, it’s now my goal, alongside my family, to create something with the same magical power here in the UK. I want to help other children to create amazing memories and relax with their families in a special and safe environment. I want these children to focus on joy and fun at Kids’ Village that will allow them to forget about life in hospital.
