Sunflowers Children's Action Group

There are moments in the life of a charity that remind us exactly why we do what we do. Welcoming the very first families to stay at George Lodge has been one of those moments.

After months of planning, refurbishing and carefully considering every detail, George Lodge is already doing exactly what it was created for – giving families of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions a chance to step away from the demands of everyday life, spend precious time together and simply make memories.

The feedback from our first guests has been overwhelming.

One family enjoyed a weekend filled with simple pleasures; walking through the beautiful Kenwick Woods, visiting The Splash, enjoying pizza and a family film night before exploring Hubbard’s Hills and Louth Leisure Centre the following day.

"Treasured memories of some very much needed fun and relaxation." – Di, mum to Olly and Corey.

Another family described arriving after an incredibly difficult week, with surgery and uncertainty ahead.

"This weekend was very much needed to remind ourselves we have each other. When you're facing an uncertain future, this allowed us to reset ourselves and recharge our batteries." – Claire Maw, mum to Evie.

They went on to describe George Lodge as "simply beautiful" and thanked everyone who supports Sunflowers for making such an opportunity possible.

A third family spoke about what the lodge represents for families living with complex medical needs.

Michelle, mum to Reggie said "From the moment we arrived, we felt relaxed and able to just enjoy being together. It's peaceful, beautiful and truly feels like a home away from home."

They reflected on the reality of family life, often filled with hospital appointments, therapies, worries and challenges that many people never see, explaining that breaks like these allow children to experience new adventures while giving parents and carers the opportunity to breathe, recharge and enjoy precious family time together.

A Dream That Became Reality

George Lodge holds a very special place in the heart of Sunflowers.

The lodge is named after George, Joanne Wright's dad, who spent his life helping others and was affectionately known as Sunflowers' original Head Elf. It was also the place where he celebrated his final birthday with his family, making it a fitting tribute to a man whose kindness continues to inspire everything we do.

When the lodge unexpectedly came onto the market, what began as a dream quickly became a shared vision. Thanks to the support of our trustees, fundraisers, volunteers, donors and local businesses, that vision has now become a reality.

The lodge has been thoughtfully adapted to make it as accessible and comfortable as possible, with features including profiling beds, ceiling track hoists, accessible bathroom facilities, level access and family-friendly spaces designed to help everyone feel at home.

Thank You

None of this would have been possible without the incredible generosity of everyone who supports Sunflowers Children's Action Group.

Every donation made, every fundraising challenge completed, every event attended and every business sponsorship has helped create something that will benefit families for many years to come.

George Lodge is far more than a holiday lodge.

It is a place to pause.

A place to reconnect.

A place to laugh.

A place to rest.

Most importantly, it is a place where families can make memories together at a time when those memories matter more than ever.

To everyone who has helped make George Lodge possible, thank you. Your kindness is already changing lives, one family and one special weekend at a time.

Registration is now open for one of North East Lincolnshire's most colourful community fundraising events.

Sunflowers Children's Action Group is delighted to announce that its annual Superhero Walk will return to Cleethorpes on Sunday 13 September 2026, inviting local families, businesses, schools and community groups to don their favourite costumes and help raise funds for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Now in its fourth year, the Superhero Walk has become a popular fixture in the local fundraising calendar, bringing together hundreds of people for an afternoon of fun, community spirit and fundraising along the Cleethorpes seafront.

Participants can choose from four accessible distances – 1 mile, 2.5 miles, 4 miles or 5 miles – with the flat route making the event suitable for people of all ages and abilities, including wheelchair users, those using mobility aids and families with pushchairs.

Every penny raised will help Sunflowers continue to provide inclusive activities, family events and practical support for local children and their families throughout the year.

The charity supports families across North East Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas, creating opportunities for children to enjoy experiences, build friendships and make lasting memories in an environment where everyone is welcomed and included.

Entry costs £10 for adults and £2.50 for children under 13, with every participant receiving a commemorative Superhero Walk medal after crossing the finish line.

The walk will begin from 12 noon on Sunday 13 September, with participants encouraged to embrace the superhero theme by dressing as their favourite heroes, heroines or characters. Whether you arrive in a cape, mask or full costume, the event promises to be a celebration of community, kindness and the difference people can make when they come together.

Kate Roberts, Trustee at Sunflowers Children's Action Group, said:

"The Superhero Walk is one of our favourite events of the year because it brings together so many wonderful people for a fantastic cause. It's a day filled with laughter, colourful costumes and an incredible community spirit, but behind every step taken is the opportunity to help local children and families who face challenges every day. We would love to see as many people as possible join us this September and help make this our biggest Superhero Walk yet."

Registration is now open, and the charity is encouraging individuals, families, schools, workplaces and local organisations to sign up early and start planning their superhero outfits.

For more information or to register, email hello@sunflowers.org.uk.

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Not all heroes wear capes — sometimes, they wear running shoes.

As the TCS London Marathon brought the capital to life, five incredible runners took on the challenge in support of the Sunflowers Children’s Action Group, each with their own story but united by one cause.

The charity was fortunate to secure four guaranteed places, proudly taken up by Kate Lane, Chris Lane, Gary Davies and Joanna Holbrook-Morris. Among them, Kate and Chris Lane took on the marathon as a husband-and-wife fundraising team, adding a special personal touch to an already meaningful challenge. Together, the team showed determination, resilience and true community spirit across the 26.2-mile course.

Joining them was a fifth runner, Julia Butler, who secured her place through the public ballot but chose to run for Sunflowers. Inspired by a very special little boy, Noah, she completed the marathon in an impressive 4 hours and 33 minutes while raising an incredible £2,000 for the charity.

The journey to race day has been as inspiring as the event itself. Joanna Holbrook-Morris, who went from non-runner to marathon finisher in just a year, described the experience as “one hell of an emotional rollercoaster”, a reflection of months of dedication, training in all weathers, and sheer determination.

For Gary Davies, the day was about something bigger than the miles. He said:
“This isn’t about running 26.2 miles… it’s about what we can accomplish as a community. I’m proud to be a Sunflower and part of this small team taking part in the TCS London Marathon 2026, supporting Sunflowers Children’s Action Group, a local, volunteer-run charity doing extraordinary work. This effort isn’t about pace, distance or personal achievement. It’s about local people and local businesses stepping forward, demonstrating values, empathy and responsibility when it matters most.”

Across the Sunflowers community, the feeling is one of immense pride and gratitude. Every runner’s effort, whether through a charity place or independent entry, will make a lasting difference to families supported by the organisation.

On behalf of all Sunflowers families, thank you. Today, you are our superheroes.