Family to share son's 'light' with new sensory centre

Brody's Sensory Hub in The Forest of Dean has been named after Brody, who died in 2019

A multi-sensory centre offering children and families with complex needs a space to "laugh, play, and feel supported" is due to open in the Forest of Dean.

Brody's Sensory Hub will be based at the former Joys Green Primary School site, in Lydbrook, Gloucestershire.

Nikki and Mike Baggott have named the centre after their son who died in 2019 aged 10.

They are now calling on local businesses and volunteers to help prepare the sensory hub, which they hope to open in the summer.

Ms Baggott said the team need as much help as possible to make the space great for children who need it

Ms Baggott, chair of charity Brody's Trust, said: "Brody's smile lit up every room [and] we want to share that light with others."

"Creating this space that Brody would have loved is both important and sad," Ms Baggott said, because there was nothing like it for them.

"We couldn't get carers because Brody was medically complex and they were too scared – and we would have to go to Worcester for the closest sensory play."

However, she said if they took the hour trip, with all the equipment they needed, he would have had seizures and end up in hospital.

"You're getting three hours sleep a night because of the medical requirements and the only people you meet are in hospital," Ms Baggott said.

Ms Baggott said Brody, who was given a one-year life expectancy on birth, had a laugh that was magical

The new centre will also include a bespoke changing space, themed sensory areas, a blackout sensory room and a chill-out zone.

Brody's Trust, which was established in January 2024, has secured £90,000 for sensory equipment with fundraising ongoing to reach the £250,000 project target.

The Pied Piper Trust, Barnwood Trust and local authorities are also supporting the project.

Nikki is asking anyone who can give some time and help paint, clean, fix doors, heating or flooring, or for anyone who can donate materials to get in touch.

Open sessions to work on the project are being held on Thursday 27 March 18.00-20.00 GMT and the 29 March 12.00-15.00.