Kent Kids, Miles of Smiles was founded in March 1993, with the sole aim of spreading some sunshine into the lives of sick and disabled children. It was a follow on from various involvements by certain members of the founding group, with a National Charity. Holiday trips were organised for sick and disabled children, taking some 20 children per year on various holidays. It soon became apparent that there were many more children who so richly deserved this opportunity. Our research showed us that there were in excess of 5000 children, just in Kent, who would fall within the Charities auspices The house was completed in December 1998. It was then registered with the Kent County Council Social Services, in order to be able to run the house as a Registered Care Centre. This registration procedure was completed at the end of April 1999. Kent Kids, Miles of Smiles Registered Care House Footprints was officially opened on 9th May 1999. In late 2004 after 5 years of Footprints being open Kent Kids purchased the house next door called Redwalls, and after obtaining the Trustees consent to extend onto the original building it has been converted into a beautiful 6 bed-roomed bungalow, with the main objective of caring for adults/young people over the age of 18. Redwalls was officially opened in November 2007 and, along with other young people from across Kent, the children/young adults who reside at Footprints will, if they choose, be able to continue their care in the same surroundings.

One night I dreamed a dream. I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord. When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma. "Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I'm aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don't understand why, when I need You most, You leave me." He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you."

Rosie Horne's Official Site