01452 612216       Kites Corner, North Upton Lane, Gloucester, GL4 3TR

Our History

About Us

The James Hopkins Trust is a registered charity, established in 1989. We provide respite care for babies and children up to the age of 6 who have a life limiting or life-threatening condition while supporting their families.

Our journey began with a single vision – to make a positive impact on the lives of children who face severe health challenges. Over the years, we have grown and evolved, but our commitment to the children and families we serve remains unwavering.

Our free nursing led respite can be received in the family home or at our purpose built multi-sensory respite centre and gardens ‘Kites Corner’ – Home of James Hopkins Trust.

At Kites Corner we offer a variety of activities, plus access to a large well equipped playroom, sensory room, soft play, and garden. We are here to create very special, lasting magic memories at Kites Corner, which is filled with love and laughter.

We currently support over 100 children from across Gloucestershire. Since James Hopkins Trust first started in 1989 we have helped well over 700 children and their families. For over 30 years we have been dedicated to providing unwavering support to babies and young children with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions, and their families, to make the most of every moment.

James-Hopkins-Trust-About-Us
1989

Vance & Heather Hopkins created James Hopkins Trust in memory of their son James who passed away on May 29th. Our first fundraising event was held in September, a Jumble Sale which raised £300. This money was used to provide respite care at home for the 1st child we ever supported.

1990

We provided an average of 35 hours Nursing Respite Care per month. We held our 1st ever Auction!

1993

During the summer of this year, four representatives of the Trust were invited to a garden party at Highgrove House to meet HRH The Prince of Wales.

1994

We celebrated our 5th anniversary and received our 1st donation from Severn Sound.

1995

We raised a milestone of £500,000.00. The Trust moved into a small wing at Jordans Brook House and we purchased and installed our 1st Multi-Sensory room with a grant from Barnwood House Charity.

1999

James Hopkins Trust turned 10!

2001

The Trust purchased land to build our own purpose built respite centre.

2002

Work started on building Kites Corner! We held our 1st Golf Day and a partnership with Zurich Financial Services was formed.

2003

James Hopkins Trust moved into Kites Corner! Vance & Heather won Central South Personality of the Year!

2004

Our Sensory & Memorial Garden was opened at Kites Corner and we celebrate 15 years.

2009

A new conservatory extension on Kites Corner was completed and opened providing a much needed space for the children to dine in and use for baking activities

2010

In the Spring of 2010 we launched the very first Gloucestershire Lottery, giving the people of Gloucestershire a chance to win £100 each week and support a local charity.

2012

We launched a campaign to raise £500,000 to build a bedroom extension wing on Kites Corner to be able to offer 24hour overnight respite.

2014

Our 25th year anniversary. ’Spade in the Ground’ launched the build of our accommodation wing.

2015

Founder Vance retired. ’Poddy’s Wing’ our bedroom extension opened for overnight stays.

2019

James Hopkins Trust celebrated 30 years! A new Sensory Room design was commissioned thanks to an unexpected legacy.

2021

Laughter returned to Kites corner in March of this year when we reopened following COVID-19 and our children were able to come out of shielding.

2022

An incredible 8298 hours of respite provided over the year

2024

James Hopkins Trust celebrated 35 years! We added some wonderful additions to the garden in the form of a new colourful sensory tunnel over the wavy path and an outdoor classroom. We also completed a renovation of the memorial stream area.

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