CHILDREN’S cancer charity The Joshua Tree is hoping to complete work on its eagerly-awaited new support centre by the start of 2018.

The date was announced this week as groundworks began on the site of the centre in Dalefords Lane, Sandiway.

The fit-for-purpose centre is being built in response to the growing demand on the charity’s support service from north west families affected by childhood cancer.

The centre will provide an appropriate environment for families, accommodating children of all ages from toddlers through to teenagers.

It will feature a multi-functional activity room, counselling suites, a café area, soft play and sensory equipment, games room, office facilities, outdoor play area and landscaped gardens.

Operations manager Jo Garner said: “2017 has started off really well for The Joshua Tree.

“Griffiths Groundworks from Mold are on site to break up the old skid-pan concrete and create the road from the entrance to the site of the new centre.

“We’re trying to make the build as cost-effective as possible. The contractors will reuse the materials already on the site, which means we will be able to construct the groundworks in a very environmentally-friendly and efficient way.”

The charity is hoping the centre build will be completed by January 2018, and is seeking funding and delivery partners to complete the project within this deadline.

The Joshua Tree family support team is looking after 80 families who have been affected by childhood cancer.

Lynda Hill, CEO of the charity said: “Since we launched the support service three years ago we have developed the range of support services we offer to meet the different family needs.

“Sadly, we are also developing a bereavement support service to support siblings and parents after the loss of a child to cancer.

“We know the new support centre will mean so much to many families across the north west, and will enable us to triple the number of families able to access our service completely free of charge during an incredibly traumatic time.”

If you would like to support The Joshua Tree’s #digdeep project to complete the support centre build contact Jo Garner on 01606 331 858.

For video footage of the land where construction work is starting visit youtube.com/watch?v=YnvYELdIGs0