For the background on this memorial that we're trying to build, please see our previous Justgiving page www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/alice-slatter

Below is an update on where we are at now with achieving our goal to remember Hugo and build something incredible for the community.

If enough people would be willing to donate an amount between £1.50 and £3, we will realise our dream after 2 years of hard work. Thank you SO MUCH for your support so far.

Hello all,

We hope everyone is well and managing to navigate these tough times.

So, there is some good news.... but also bad news. Or at least another hurdle which we hope to overcome.

To start with the GOOD NEWS - we officially have planning permission! It's been a long and expensive journey to get there, involving re-designs, additional tree surveys/flood surveys and a lot of admin/correspondence. But we HAVE IT. And we're delighted.

Unfortunately, though, we are now facing a pretty big financial challenge to get this extension built.

The original skate park building firm who quoted £30K (which we managed to raise) are no longer able to be involved. This has been a huge blow at the 11th hour, to put it lightly.

The company who we are now speaking to (who have a great reputation) have crunched the numbers, and are saying that in order to build the design we have, it'll be more like £50K. Which leaves us £20K short. And trying to set about raising a sum of money like that during a global pandemic/recession, is no mean feat. Especially when you, the local community, have already been so generous.... and we have no intention of asking more of you. Plus, we are unable to set up any further events to raise money that way.

We are exploring potential grants (lottery etc), but have already had a couple of applications declined as certain grants are now being allocated to Covid-related efforts.

The company we are speaking to have said that they could build a pretty small extension for the £30K that we have, but it would be disappointing (for everyone concerned) for it not to be the very best extension that it can be. The more expensive quote includes full repairs and resurfacing of the existing park, which would mean a clean, fresh slate and an exciting new space to enjoy.

It's a tough one. We are down, but not defeated. First and foremost, we are dedicated to building Hugo's memorial. Followed closely by a determination to fulfil our mission to extend and expand this wonderful amenity in our village, that will benefit so many people for generations to come.

If anyone has any bright ideas, or knows of any individuals/companies who might consider helping out in any way, we are all ears. In the meantime. we'll keep researching potential grants to apply for. Oh, and praying for a financial miracle.

This has been a tough message to convey without causing disappointment, but we want to be honest and transparent with everyone who has supported us.

Thanks again and we'll be in touch soon.

Big love,

Hugo's family X