Housebuilder will support charity that provides holidays

DERBYSHIRE housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands has announced Ben’s Den has been chosen as its charity of the year.

Employees who work for the developer are committing to raising funds for the children’s charity in 2021.

Ben’s Den provides much needed relaxation time for children with cancer or leukaemia. It provides caravan holidays for families with children diagnosed with cancer and was set up in memory of Ben Parker who died aged 13 in 2003 following a three-year battle with leukaemia.

Tracey Parker, Ben’s mother and founder of Ben’s Den, said: “We were amazed to receive the news that we had been chosen by Barratt and David Wilson Homes for their Charity of the Year.

“The support means that we can continue to provide much needed holidays and vital memories can be made. Thank you so much Barratt and David Wilson Homes for making this happen.”

The charity was set up in March 2004 and, since its launch, Ben’s Den has raised enough funds to have four fully equipped caravans and a fifth which is fully adapted for wheelchair users. With Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ help, Ben’s Den aims to keep fundraising to maintain the caravans and cover expenses in addition to purchasing another caravan this year.

As the current caravans are only available seasonally between March and October, the charity is aiming for the newest edition to be located at a holiday park which remains open all year round.