CONSTRUCTION work is underway at The Joshua Tree's new purpose-built support centre in Sandiway after 13 years of fundraising.
Due for completion early next year, the centre will cater for families, accommodating children of all ages from toddlers through to teenagers.
It will feature a multi-functional activity room, counselling suites, soft play and sensory equipment, a games room, office facilities, an outdoor play area and landscaped gardens.
The support centre will boost the charity's family support service, which provides education, practical and emotional support to children affected by cancers and their families
Trustee Piers McLeish, responsible for the build project, said: “It’s been great to see really tangible progress towards the delivery of a project which will give our charity so many more options and scope for delivering our much needed family support services in the future.
"The new building will not just be our new support centre, it will be a place for our community of families to unwind and share experiences, for partnerships with other charities to flourish and for the centre to develop into a focal point of research and best practice for the north west and Wales.
"It is wonderful to be involved at this exciting stage of The Joshua Tree’s development.”
The charity has worked in close consultation with beneficiaries throughout the planning of the development to ensure that the support centre meets their needs.
John Turner Construction Ltd are the appointed contractor and the charity is looking forward to working with them on what is an incredibly important development for The Joshua Tree.
Paul Hamlett said: “We are looking forward to working in collaboration with The Joshua Tree, to create a fantastic space, for children and their families, and are happy to be involved in creating a space for such a worthy cause."
Dai and Lynda Hill, founders of The Joshua Tree, said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last 13 years to enable us to celebrate today as we break ground and look forward to opening the doors of our new support centre next year.
"We have really appreciated your patience and continued belief in our vision to support families affected by childhood cancers.
"This is a huge milestone for The Joshua Tree and for our family.
"As Joshua turns 21 next year, we will also be gaining the keys to our very own centre.”
To lend your support, be it in donations of kind or time, please get in touch at fundraising@thejoshuatree.org.uk
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