Joshua Tree project seeks cash injection

The Joshua Tree has raised £350,000 so far towards building a new holiday house in Sandiway, Cheshire for children suffering from critical and life threatening illnesses.

Cheshire West & Chester Council has given planning approval for the 7,319 sq ft accommodation to be built on a 1.1-acre site on Daleford Lane.

The single storey property will feature a 'secret passage' play platform through the roof and platforms in a 'lookout tower'.

The Joshua Tree children's charity was founded by David and Lynda Hill whose son Joshua was diagnosed with Leukaemia in 2004.

Lynda Hill said: "Because of Josh's greatly reduced level of immunity he was very limited to where he was able to go. In fact, anywhere where there would be a number of people gathering in a confined space. We felt very strongly that we wanted to create a haven for families to be able to spend quality time together in a safe environment."

Designed by Ellis Williams Architects, a total of £1.9m is needed to be raised for the project.

Ellis Williams said a completion date is dependant on the fundraising programme but hopes the project will be finished by 2013. The design team also includes:

• Preston-based MPS Chartered Surveyors – Quantity surveyor
• Chester-based Engineering & More – Structural engineer
• Manchester-based Crookes Walker Consulting – Services engineer

Hill added: "Ellis Williams have embraced the vision for our charity with an enthusiasm and dedication that would be impossible to fault. Having helped develop our brief, they have produced for us an exceptional design that has caught the imagination of our supporters and all those we present it to. We look forward to starting the build as soon as the next round of fund-raising allows."

Ellis Williams was instrumental in finding the site, situated adjacent to ancient woodland and a neighbouring site of special scientific interest.