Couple, Ken and Linda Acott, have donated a flat to the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation.
‘Frankie’s Den’ will become the third Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation (PPBF) compassionate housing apartment for Bailiwick of Guernsey families, whose premature baby or critically ill child, require off-island treatment at Southampton General Hospital or Princess Anne Hospital.
The fully equipped flats, on the doorstep of the hospital are vital for these families. They provide a safe-haven, a home-away-from-home, and offer privacy and comfort to families during immensely difficult times.
Ken explained why they decided to make this generous donation: “Over the past few years my wife Linda and I met Jo and Andy Priaulx (Founders of the PPBF) on a number of occasions. As far back as 2015 my company, the First Central Group, sponsored their son Seb to drive in the Ginetta Racing series. We were aware of the PPBF on a rather superficial level, but in March 2022 were involved in the sponsorship of the PPBF’s Blingo event in support of the Foundation.
“We were lucky enough to be seated with Jo during the evening and learned so much more about the fantastic work and support they provide. In particular, the crucial importance of the two apartments made available to families and couples whose babies need care in Southampton General Hospital. Jo is a real dynamo, full of enthusiasm, drive and determination and having heard how Aggie’s Burrow and Isaac’s Pad were in almost constant use, even before the evening was over the germ of an idea to provide a third apartment was taking shape.
“We formally floated our proposal with Jo a few days later – if a suitable property could be found, we would buy it, have it refurbished and furnished and gift it to the Foundation. The Foundation team quickly clicked into action and very soon, the ideal property was found, perfectly located in the same block and on the same floor as Aggie’s Burrow and the purchase process commenced.”
Anna Douglass, who leads Ferbrache & Farrell UK Real Estate Team, advised on a pro bono basis on all of the conveyancing aspects of the transaction.
Anna said: “I’m so immensely thrilled that that we’ve been able to be involved and support this truly wonderful cause. The charity has worked tirelessly since its inception to make a difference for our community, local families and children. This cause is very close to my heart, having had the worry of a premature baby myself some seven years ago. I’ve also witnessed the traumatic times my close friends experienced in having to unexpectedly deal with an emergency of a medevac flight from Guernsey to Southampton, with all the serious implications of neonatal complications and uncertainties. This recent fantastic addition of a third flat will mean the world to local families in need of a peaceful and comfortable place to stay while their preemie babies undergo vital hospital care”.
Jo Priaulx commented: “We can’t thank Ken and Linda enough for their generous and much needed gift. Aggie’s Burrow and Isaac’s Pad are in constant use. The addition of Frankie’s Den to the PPBF family is key. We will now be able to offer vital comfort to even more families whose child needs longer term treatment, like cancer.
“I’d also like to thank our Property Manager, Dean Allen who is amazing at managing and maintaining the PPBF flats and is also doing a tremendous job of refurbishing Frankie’s Den.
“We’re looking forward to opening the doors to Frankie’s Den and welcoming families sometime in June. Look out on our social media for up-dates on how we are progressing with the refurbishment.”
Pictured: Left to right – Jo, Dannii & Dean outside the flats
