About Kent Kids Miles of Smiles

Kent Kids, Miles of Smiles was founded in March 1993, with the sole aim of spreading some sunshine into the lives of sick and disabled children. It was a follow on from various involvements by certain members of the founding group, with a National Charity. Holiday trips were organised for sick and disabled children, taking some 20 children per year on various holidays. It soon became apparent that there were many more children who so richly deserved this opportunity. Our research showed us that there were in excess of 5000 children, just in Kent, who would fall within the Charities auspices

Fund raising began in earnest and a minimum of 20 children per year enjoyed organised holiday fun trips. Whilst at the same time, a pot of money was growing. In June 1995, a large house on the outskirts of Canterbury was purchased. Work commenced on converting and equipping this property using a different theme in each room. At the same time, there was still a minimum of 20 children each year enjoying holiday trips, both home and abroad.

In late 2004 after 5 years of Footprints being open Kent Kids purchased the house next door called Redwalls, and after obtaining the Trustees consent to extend onto the original building it has been converted into a beautiful 6 bed-roomed bungalow, with the main objective of caring for adults/young people over the age of 18. Redwalls was officially opened in November 2007 and, along with other young people from across Kent, the children/young adults who reside at Footprints will, if they choose, be able to continue their care in the same surroundings.