Work begins on camp where poorly kids can rediscover childhood

Over The Wall Camp has started construction work to create a place where children with long-term health conditions can rediscover the mischief and magic of childhood.

Last year, the charity secured a lease for the former Ockbrook School, near Derby, which closed in June 2021.

The first phase of the work is to create wheelchair-accessible accommodation and communal spaces, ready to welcome children and families in summer 2026.

Over The Wall Camp provides free-of-charge residential and virtual camps for children aged 8 to 17 years living with long-term health conditions and disabilities, and their families.

The camps empower children and families to explore new possibilities and rediscover the fun and magic of childhood, while addressing the isolation and low self-confidence that often accompany childhood illness.

Children can enjoy a wide range of fun activities, supported by volunteers and staff, including a full medical team.

Helping to celebrate the charity’s exciting milestone were the Medunecki family from Mansfield.

Lukass, 13, is living with multiple tumours in his head and spinal cord.

He and his sister, Milana, 11, attended an Over The Wall Camp this summer.

Lukass said: “Camp was very fun and exciting. It made me feel like I was free from all my worries.  I will always remember the people who made it such a special time for me and others.”

Milana said: “Camp made me feel resilient and included. I will always remember all the friends I made along the way, and the volunteers that helped and supported me.”

The site in Ockbrook will be the first of its kind in the UK when all the transformation work is complete, with first-class clinical facilities and recreational amenities, including an amphitheatre and adventure park.

Chief executive Kevin Mathieson said: “We currently support up to 1,000 children and families a year, covering more than 130 different illnesses and conditions.

“With our new Ockbrook site, we can quadruple this number of beneficiaries, offer camps for children with more complex and diverse health challenges, and trial new programmes.

“We’re really excited to see all our plans and ideas start to become reality.

“It will be wonderful to see the looks of joy on campers’ faces and hear laughter, music and chatter around the site next summer.”