‘Mia’s Retreat’ opens at Blackwood

Twelve-year-old Mia Richardson has officially opened the new summerhouse her fundraising efforts for Blackwood House have bought.

Mia has been a regular visitor to the Cornwall Care home in Camborne for many years. Her mother, Bernie, works there as a carer and chatting to the residents has become a much-loved pastime for the youngster.

When Covid restrictions stopped her visiting, Mia decided to help buy her elderly friends an interactive magic table by pedalling the distance between Land’s End and John O’Groats during lockdown on her parents’ fitness trainer. Her aim was to raise £500 towards the cost but instead donations of more than £20,000 poured in – enabling her to buy not one but two interactive tables and a greenhouse for the garden. Now, with the fundraising total so far totalling more than £35,000, she has bought a summerhouse that has been named ‘Mia’s Retreat’ in her honour.

“Dan and I are so very proud of everything she continues to achieve,” said Bernie. “She loves seeing the residents smile and is delighted that she can now visit them again. I know I’m her mum, but she really is remarkable.”

Mia was appointed Cornwall Care’s first Young Ambassador last year.

“Mia makes us all smile in gratitude and admiration,” said Cornwall Care director Anita Harris. “The new summerhouse is a great addition to the Blackwood garden and our residents love going out there. Every penny of the money she raises goes towards making life as comfortable, fun and entertaining as possible for our residents and we can’t thank her enough.”

Mia is a pupil at Camborne School where she has just won the Godrevy Plate – an annual award for a student who is making a difference.