Morecambe children's charity hit by flooding setback to extension plans

A Breath for Life children’s charity and oxygen treatment centre in Middleton has been planning an extension to its existing building for the past two years.

The charity was established in 1998 to support children with profound neurological problems, but the centre is small and needs to improve its facilities.

The old holistic centre next to the centre has now been demolished to make way for an extension, but the amount of water underneath the cabins has come as a shock to the charity.

"There is so much surface water a miniature lake has formed beside the charity entrance," said honorary chairman Jane Dean.

"The charity has proved itself over the last 25 years to be resilient, but the amount of water uncovered is a huge challenge."

The charity has not received any support from the engineering or environmental agencies based at either Lancaster City Council or Lancashire County Council.

"Without doubt, apart from the high water table, there are serious drainage issues which are affecting not only the charity but residential properties on Middleton Road," Jane said.

"For every problem there are solutions but without any support from environmental agencies, this is going to be costly for the charity.

"However, our motto has always been 'onwards and forwards'."

A Breath for Life has always maintained a local focus because it has been local people who have always contributed. Their hyperbaric chamber was commissioned and bought from donations gifted by the late Miss Derham of Bolton-le-Sands.

And last Wednesday an elderly resident of Morecambe, Sheila, turned up on the doorstep to hand over a donation.

Jane said: "The weather was appalling but this dear lady lightened the day as an architect, builder and civil engineer were surveying the water problem.

"These small acts of kindness are why the charity will continue to flourish."

Anyone wishing to support the charity, please contact Jane Dean on 07740 945712 or go online here