Category: News

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NEWS: Erdington based gun dealer jailer for over 14 years after operation by the Regional Organised Crime Unit

Words by Ed King / Pics & video released by West Midlands Police

Earlier this week an Erdington based gun dealer was jailed for over 14 years after a successful operation by the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU).

Jordan Geoghegan (23) from Summerlee Rd, Pype Hayes, was arrested at his home address after police discovered the ‘tools’ needed to repurpose blank firing ammunition into lethal bullets, along with shotgun cartridges and bullet casing.

Further searches of his mobile phone uncovered video footage of Geoghan brandishing a series of guns, including a variety of handguns, alongside text messages of being able to buy cheap guns from the United States and how he planned to kill someone with a shotgun – West Midlands Police reported.

WMP further reported one of the guns featured in the video was recovered and confirmed it was ‘found to be live’, although it was ‘not clear if the others were real or imitation.’

Police also found evidence the ammunition Geoghegan was looking to sell was being made directly by him, possibly at his Erdington home address.

WATCH: Gunman who boasted about weapons in videos jailed for more than 14 years

Following his conviction this week, West Midlands Police released the incriminating pictures and video footage of Geoghegan engaged in the attempted sale of deadly weapons.

Police also released a selection of the text messages found to have been sent by Geoghegan, where one states: “12 double barrel, Model 27 semi auto MK sten…. There the kinda things I can get aha just don’t tell no one.”

Another said: “Need a pocket rocket for tomorrow g if you got one cheap that slaps.”

Jordan Geoghegan was brought to justice after a successful operation by Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU), as part of the wider Operation Target – conducted by West Midlands Police and the ROCU across the region.

Operation Target works with regional partners and in line with the National Crime Agency to tackle organised crime in the West Midlands, which the force say nationally leads to more deaths ‘than all other national security threats combined, including terrorism’ and costs the UK over £37 billion annually.

Det Chief Insp Peter Cooke, from the Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: “Geoghegan was what was known in the criminal world as a ‘clean skin’ – with no criminal record. This obviously gave him some confidence that he could carry on his illegal operation undetected.

“He was wrong. A thorough investigation found traces of his DNA found on the bullets, as well as numerous mobile phone videos showing him handling guns.

“The text messages he was exchanging with other criminals show he was serious and committed to the trade in illegal firearms.

“He had the tools, knowledge and skills to produce large quantities of live ammunition which would certainly have made their way into the hands of criminals who use illegal firearms on the streets of Birmingham.

“We are absolutely committed to tackling serious and organised crime in the West Midlands and will use all of our tactics and powers to bring those involved in it to justice.”

Geoghegan appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday 11 September, admitting possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, and being involved in the sale or transfer of ammunition.

He was jailed for 14.5 years.

West Midlands Police further stated: ‘Others who Geohegan were in contact with have been investigated, with one person jailed for five years for possession of a firearm.’

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NEWS: Free Eco Together course begins at Witton Lakes Eco Hub helping people challenge climate change

Words by Liam Smith / Pics by Ed King

On 15 September, a free to access course will start at the Witton Lakes Eco Hub – offering advice and practical support for people worried about climate change.

Running for 10 weeks until the end of November, the Eco Together programme will encourage participants to look at their ‘lifestyle, communication, community, and advocacy’ and explore ways to make small, positive changes that benefit both their own lives and the environment.

Witton Lakes Eco Hub was built by Witton Lodge Community Association and launched in April 2022, transforming the 100 year old gatekeeper’s cottage into a community and educational centre with environmental issues at its heart.

Places are still available for the free Eco Together course, with local residents invited to sign up and take part.

For more information or to secure a place just call 0121 227 3200 or email diane.johnston@wittonlodge.org.uk

Part of a nationwide initiative, delivered by the charity Transition Bath, Eco Together is run by local volunteers and will provide sessions themed on home energy, travel, food, and the use of resources. 

Aimed at ‘ordinary people’ who are worried about climate change, with no previous ecological experience required, the weekly workshops will also provide an opportunity for ‘friends, neighbours or colleagues to find their own best way to make a difference’.

Erdington Local spoke with Stephanie Boyle, an Erdington resident who is hosting the Eco Together course at the Witton Lakes Eco Hub.

Stephanie explained: “The sessions are there to help ordinary people to respond to all of the negative stories you hear about the environment and the growing concern for things like climate change and to find ways, big or small, in which they can make a positive contribution.”

Stephanie further highlighted how important it is for people to take a positive and proactive approach in contributing to tackle climate change.

She added: “Typically, when people talk about climate action they think about the big protests, with people gluing themselves to the road etc.

“Most people do not wish to take that approach, so these sessions help people to see what the other options are to make a difference.

“You can make a difference just simply by telling people that you worry about the environment or climate change, and what you are doing to try to make a difference. It normalises the idea that ordinary people can do something about it.”

Councillor Jilly Bermingham (Perry Common, Labour) and Jane Jones (Stockland Green, Labour) have already given their support to the project.

Cllr Bermingham told Erdington Local: “Witton Lakes Eco Hub helps the local community connect with nature and the environment. 

“Eco Together will show people how to take control with issues such as energy bills, it is important in this time of a cost-of-living crises that people are supported and know who can help them.”

To book a place on the Eco Together course at the Witton Lakes Eco Hub call 0121 227 3200 or email diane.johnston@wittonlodge.org.uk

For more on the nationwide Eco Together project visit www.ecotogether.info

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NEWS: Professional Kingstanding boxer Niall Farrell gets ready for September fights

By Erdington Local news team

Kingstanding boxer Niall Farrell is “loving” life as a professional and keeping busy with two fights this month – his first taking place at Planet Ice in Solihull on Saturday 9 September.

Fighting in the All of the Lights tournament, presented by Tommy Owens Promotions LTD, Farell will appear as an undercard on a bill of lightweight boxers from across the country – including Nottingham’s Delmar Thomas and Dudley’s Ryan Griffiths.

For more information and links to online tickets sales for All of the Lights, click here.

Niall Farell, a former Team GB member, swapped fighting for his country across the world to enter the professional ranks earlier this year and made an impressive start with unbeaten 2-0 record.

The 25-year-old is still training at Second City Boxing, Kingstanding, and has appointed Birmingham veteran John Pegg as his manager to navigate the notoriously slippery world of the fight game.

He told Erdington Local: “I hopefully will be 4-0 by the end of the month, and then hope to fight another twice before the end of the year.

“I am loving being a pro-fighter now; I always have a date to fight, and I am learning every day and I am keeping busy.”

He added: “The lightweight division has some of the best pound for pound fighters in the world and I am just starting out, so I am just concentrating on the next fight.”

Niall is fighting on Saturday 9 Septemebr at Solihull’s Planet Ice. A key component of being a pro-fighter is being a “ticket seller” and ‘Wacka Farrell’ has already amassed a big following from Kingstanding.

He said: “I am not sure how many I’ve sold but I know there is a coach leaving Kingstanding for Solihull. I am so grateful to everyone who supports me, now I am professional people will be able to see me locally instead of me flying all over the world in amateur tournaments.”

Saturday’s opponent was meant to be Niall’s toughest test yet, Logan Paling, but he has had to rearrange the bout for Thursday, 28 September at Cannock’s Bar Sport.

Niall said: “I am not sure who my opponent is on Saturday (9 September), but I can’t wait to get back in the ring. The difference from amateur three bout fights and longer professional fights is it’s not such a big rush, I can take my time.”

Niall decided to turn professional after a controversial decision ended his dream of winning gold at last year’s Commonwealth Games in his own city.

He said: “I had a great amateur career, fighting for your country all over the world is a great experience. It gave me a profile which is helping me as a pro and the bonds I made with the boxers who were my teammates are still there.” 

Niall still helps out at Black Country homeless charity The Good Shepherd regularly and enjoyed running Second City’s summer children’s camp in the school holidays.

He said: “We will be doing more summer camps because it was a real success, it was not just about boxing but it was nice to see some of the children join the club afterwards.”

Click on the links to follow Niall Farrell on social media including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

For more on Second City Boxing visit www.facebook.com/Second-City-Boxing-Club

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NEWS: Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden states Birmingham City Council have “no grip of their mess” after Section 114 notice issued

Words by Ed King

Erdington Ward Councillor and the Leader of Birmingham Conservatives Robert Alden has stated Birmingham City Council (BCC) have “no grip of their mess” after it was announced earlier today the city had issued a Section 114 notice – effectively declaring bankruptcy.

Following the announcement, which stops any new spending other than costs incurred when ‘protecting vulnerable people and statutory services’, Cllr Alden issued a statement calling out the “Labour’s failure in Birmingham” and “refusal to deal with” historic issues over equal pay.

Cllr Alden went on the challenge BCC over its promises of a “golden decade” for the people of Birmingham, a phrase used in a financial plan issued by BCC in 2022 – under the then leader Cllr Ian Ward, and squarely blame the Labour run council for a “mess where residents will now lose valuable services and investment”.

Birmingham City Council has been facing a financial crisis for some years, after losing a landmark court case involving 174 former female employees over gender-based pay inequalities.

Heard in the Supreme Court in 2012, Birmingham City Council was legally obligated to meet backdated claims by thousands of staff – having reportedly paid £1.1bn over the last decade.

In 2014, the Council even sold off the National Exhibition Centre for around £300m to help meet their growing legal bills.

With a projected deficit of £87m projected for the next financial year, officers further informed the local Cabinet on 28 June this year the city would need to find a ‘between £650 million and £760 million’ for new claims over equal pay.

On 5 September, after the announcement of the Section 114 notice and immediate cease in any new spending, BCC Deputy Leader Cllr Sharon Thompson further stated: “whilst the Council is facing some significant challenges, the broader city is still very much open for business.”

Responding to the news, Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton told Erdington Local: “13 years of Tory austerity has left Birmingham City Council with a billion-pound hole in its budget and the historic £760 million-pound equal pay liability and the implementation of Oracle ERP system, reflect on the huge challenges that it faces.”

Over concerns the Erdington Constituency could be amongst the worst affected by cuts to new spending, she added: “My priority remains in making sure people in Erdington, Kingstanding, and Castle Vale get the services they deserve.”

But mirroring the sentiments of Cllr Alden, who further accused BCC of “lying to the people of Birmingham”, the Liberal Democrats were quick to lay the blame at Birmingham Labour’s feet.

In a separate statement, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Roger Harmer called out the “sheer arrogance” of an administration who “blame others for their inability to manage the council effectively.”

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NEWS: Four people convicted after Chester Road drugs house raided by National Crime Agency

Words by Erdington Local editorial team / Pics supplied by National Crime Agency

Four people have been convicted after an Erdington stash house was raided by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers, who found 130 kilos of cannabis, 600 ecstasy tablets, and £30,000 cash.

The three men and one woman are all Vietnamese nationals and were using the Chester Road house as a base for a drugs operation, supplying criminal gangs across the West Midlands – the NCA reported.

Alongside the drugs found the haul, thousands of pounds worth of cash was also discovered secreted in the walls of the residential home.  

During a surveillance operation in January 2021, NCA officers followed Bui Tuan, 26, to the Chester Road semi-detached property. Pulling up in a BMW, Tuan was seen carrying a laundry bag into the house, which had been rented by Vien Phan Hoang, 37.

NCA officers raided the property, and found Din Hvan Tran, 26, and Vien’s wife Bui Thi Huong, 29, trying to hide packages of money in the garden.

Inside the Chester Road property, search teams recovered more than 130 kilos of cannabis, some of which was vacuum packed in bags ready to go. The rest was hidden inside the walls of the loft.

A further 600 ecstasy tablets and around £30,000 cash were also found, along with two kilos of a white crystalline powder later identified as ketamine.

Some of the cash was found hidden in a bush, while other bundles had been thrown into a neighbouring garden. The three men and a woman were later charged.

Hoang and Huong both pleaded guilty to the charges against them, but the others denied drug supply and money laundering offences.

In March 2023, Tuan and Tran, who was tried in his absence, were cleared of drug supply offences but found guilty of money laundering at Birmingham Crown Court.

They were both give six month suspended sentences. A bench warrant has been issued for Tran’s arrest. Hoang was sentenced to eight years in prison. The Judge said he played a significant role and was involved in large scale drug dealing whose motive was financial gain.

The details of the court case were only revealed by the NCA in August this year, when Huong finally received a six month prison sentence – suspended for six months.

NCA senior investigating officer Paul Boniface said: “This gang ran a stash house for a wider network of criminals – a location where drugs were stored before being pushed out to street dealers and sold, with cash moving in the opposite direction.

“Our investigation led to the seizure of drugs worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, profits from which would have fuelled further criminality and exploitation had we not taken action.

“The NCA and our partners are determined to do all we can to protect the public from serious and organised crime.”

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NEWS: Erdington dealership to host Birmingham’s only “first look” at Volvo’s new electric car

Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by Paul Rigby and Ed King

An Erdington car dealership has been selected as the only place in Birmingham to host a special “first look” at Volvo’s new electric car, the Volvo EX30.

On Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September, Paul Rigby Volvo on Chester Road will be unveiling the new fully electric SUV, as the Swedish car giant’s latest non fossil fuel model tours the UK in a series of special showcase events.

Alongside two days in the second city, Volvo will be touring the EX30 in Belfast, London, Newcastle, Leeds, Edinburgh, and a limited selection of other outlets – hand picking only one dealership in each location.

For two days only,  drivers in Erdington and wider Birmingham are invited to have an exclusive preview of Volvo EX30, Volvo’s smallest electric SUV, with a specialist offering 1-2-1 insight and advice on the new model.

Available to order since 7 June the EX30 will be ready to drive in early 2024, with prices starting at £33,795.

Having received positive reviews from car focused and industry publications since it’s release, Car Magazine described the Swedish manufacturer as ‘bringing out the big guns when it comes to design, technology on board’ for the Volvo EX30 – alongside praising it’s ‘interior design… full of clever details’, environmentally friendly build, and pricing.

Click here to book a place to view the Volvo EX30 at Paul Rigby Volvo on Chester Road.

Home to the Jaguar Landrover Castle Bromwich plant, now owned by the Indian based automotive manufacturing giant Tata Motors, Erdington has long been synonymous with car manufacturing.

Although the North Birmingham constituency was denied the chance to once again be a leader in the automotive industry when Tata bosses announced they would establish their new £4bn ‘giga-factory’ in Somerset, despite initial indications Erdington or Coventry would house the battery building facility.

The Paul Rigby group is an independent family run businesses with dealerships in Solihull, Redditch, Stourbridge, and Birmingham – with its ‘flagship purpose-built premises’ situated on Chester Road in Erdington since 2013

A self-declared ‘eco conscious business’, Paul Rigby’s website further states ‘when time and consideration was taken on our next environmental steps the solution was clear, electric cars were the way forward.’

Andy Kirkham, Sales Director at Paul Rigby Birmingham, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the brand-new EX30 and look forward to welcoming Birmingham drivers along for a first look at this stunning new car.

“The EX30 offers all of the premium quality, safety and sustainability associated with Volvo Cars, in a convenient, compact and affordable package.

“We welcome Birmingham drivers to pop into Paul Rigby Birmingham to see the small but mighty EX30 and chat to our friendly team of experts, or to book a timed slot to have a more detailed preview of the car with a Volvo Specialist.”

To book a place to view the Volvo EX30 at Paul Rigby Volvo on Chester Road, on Saturday 9 or Sunday 10 September, visit www.volvocarsevents-paulrigbybirmingham.youcanbook.me

For more on the Paul Rigby group visit www.paulrigbygroup.co.uk

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NEWS: Free summer holiday Fun School Sports Day to be held on Short Heath Playing Fields – Saturday 19 August

Words & pics by Ed King

A free summer holiday Fun School Sports Day is being held on Short Heath Playing Fields on Saturday 19 August, running from 12noon to 4pm – organised by Short Heath Fields Trust (SHFT).

Open to children of all ages, organisers are inviting local families to take part in a day a community sports, games, and outdoor activities.

Classic school sports day games will be held – such as three legged, sack, and egg and spoon races –  alongside more contemporary children’s sports, including soft archery and badminton.

All games will be free to enter and take part in, with stalls selling local gifts and refreshments available at The Womble Tea Tent. There will also be a raffle or tombola to help raise money for SHFT – the community group that fought to save, and now manages, the beloved local green space.

SHFT was formed in 2020 to protect Short Heath Playing Fields from development, after Birmingham City Council (BCC) tried to push through plans for an 84 strong housing estate on the urban parkland – amidst widespread local objections.

After a long fought battle with BCC, on 8 June this finally year SHFT signed a license agreement giving them official responsibility of the playing fields until 31 May 2024.

Championed for its importance to the local community, used by individuals and families for outdoor and wellbeing activities, the cherished parkland on Short Heath Road has hosted regular events for local residents – including the annual Pumpkin Hunt, which sees hundreds attend from all over the constituency.

With the UK Met Office predicting a comfortably sunny day on Saturday 19 August, event organisers are hoping the Short Heath Playing Fields Fun School Sports Day will offer more local families a chance to enjoy an active day together without breaking the bank.

A spokesperson from SHFT told: “SHFT have always believed that free events for the children of our community are important.

“Crucially, a free event like our Fun School Sports Day will mean all kids can join in and their parents/carers don’t need to pay a penny for it – unlike a visit to a zoo or adventure park.

“It’s all about inclusivity, and every child deserves to have FUN.”

For more on the Short Heath Playing Fields Fun School Sports Day, click here to visit the event’s Facebook page. 

For more on Short Heath Fields Trust visit www.shortheathfieldstrust.godaddysites.com

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NEWS: Councillors rally support for Warren Farm Urgent Care Centre as threat of closure looms

Words by Erdington Local editorial team / Pics by Ed King

Kingstanding residents have been urged to show how much they value the Warren Farm Urgent Care Centre after the NHS admitted it could soon close for good.

Situated on Waren Farm Road, by the colloquially known Concker Island, the NHS operated centre is open 365 days a year and has taken the strain off local hospitals for decades, but a recent inspection deemed the building “substandard”.

Kingstanding and Oscott Councillors have been informed the Urgent Care Centre, which stopped accepting walk-in patients about three years ago – according to staff – could close in a matter of weeks. However, staff at the facility were unable to confirm if the closure was imminent.

Oscott Councillor Barbara Dring (Labour) told: “We need Warren Farm Urgent Care Centre to stay open. The service is so important to this side of the city. Everyone who uses it needs to tell the NHS how important and beloved the centre is. We cannot lose another wonderful facility and only say how great it is after it is gone.”

She added: “Warren Farm Urgent Care Centre also plays a pivotal role helping the vulnerable and disabled in the community who it appears are not always considered in decision making. It has long been a community lifeline for so many.”

Kingstanding Councillor Rick Payne (Conservative) has also demanded “talks with the Trust” after hearing about the centre’s imminent closure.

A spokesperson for NHS Birmingham and Solihull said: “No decision has been made at this point. However, Warren Farm Urgent Care Centre in Kingstanding is currently housed in a building which is of a sub-standard quality, with significant patient safety concerns arising as a result.

“It’s important to us that our patients receive the best possible care in the most appropriate and safest facilities, which is why we are working through options for the future of the service.

“Over the coming weeks, we’ll be talking to patients and staff about any proposals in order to ensure the service can adapt to meet the needs of its local population and teams.”

The possible closure of the Urgent Care Centre Centre comes amid widespread concerns about local GP surgeries being overloaded and appointments with doctors becoming harder to obtain.

Elsewhere, the locally loved walk in centre on Erdington High Street closed its doors during the coronavirus lockdowns – eventually renaming the service as the Erdington Urgent Treatment Centre and moving to the Stockland Green Primary Care Centre in October 2020.

The High Street facility did reopen as the Erdington Health and Wellbeing Hub in December 2010, offering a range of free to access support through both drop in and pre-booked sessions with trained advisors – run by Witton Lodge Community Association.

From 2000 to 2010, under the Labour governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown respectively, the NHS opened more than 230 walk-in centres across England.

But the facilities have been steadily shutting their doors, with the health regulator Monitor finding over 50 have closed since 2010 – with further research by the not-for-profit political-activism organisation 38 Degrees finding a further 44 are no longer seeing patients.

Originally planned to improve patient access to primary care, the NHS walk-in centres have ‘stirred debate’ within the healthcare sector over their cost effectiveness sand use of resources – according to Monitor.

However, the facilities have proved generally popular with local residents and users, offering an alternative to often overburdened GP surgeries.

One local patient, David Smith, complained: “I have given up trying with my doctors, they say phone up at 8am and the line is always engaged.”

For more on Warren Farm Urgent Care Centre visit www.warrenfarmurgentcarecentre.nhs.uk

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NEWS: Queensbury School set to open New Horizons for SEND sixth formers on Station Road

Words & pics by Ed King

Work is well underway to transform the old Osborne School Infant School on Station Road into a new satellite site for Queensbury School sixth formers called New Horizons – catering for young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).

Scheduled to open in September this year, New Horizons will have 11 state-of-the-art classrooms, a canteen, a sports hall, offices, a therapy room, a sensory room, and a pastoral mentors hub – in an ambitious new build costing around £5million.

In a prime location to support students preparing for adulthood and greater independence, accessible by neighbouring bus and train routes, the new provision will be “equipped with everything they (students) need to accelerate their learning and move closer towards realising their next steps”, told a spokesperson from Queensbury School.

The facility for 16–19 year olds will welcome up to 96 students with Autism, Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) and speech and language needs.

The Head of Centre, Mrs Bushra Adnan, told Erdington Local: “We are excited about the opportunities that will be available to all, and to start networking with local businesses to secure brighter futures and prospects for all our stakeholders.”

Mr Chris Wilson, Queensbury Executive Headteacher, added: “LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION… Our students will have access to good travel networks, a high street for work experience opportunities, leisure facilities close by, and vocational partnerships with the SEND sixth form.

“Students will experience a building that has a more ‘adult feel’ yet is fully inclusive to their needs. It’s great to see a former derelict site, contributing back to the Erdington community, supporting our most vulnerable young people with their education.”

The SEND crisis over student placements is a challenge for local authorities across the country. In Birmingham, approximately 11,500 young people (aged 0–19) have an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) and need a specialty setting, such as Queensbury School.

New Horizons has been made possible after a successful business plan from Chris Wilson, with Birmingham City Council working closely with Queensbury School and the Education Impact Academy Trust to make it a reality. 

Helen Ellis, Director of SEND and Inclusion at Birmingham City Council, said: “This is great news for young people and families in Erdington. There is a real challenge nationally for SEND places and this will provide much-needed extra provision for those with additional needs.

“Across the city and Council we are putting children at the heart of everything we do and our SEND and Inclusion strategies will ensure our children and young people are fully supported and included in all aspects of our community.

“New Horizons will be a fantastic facility for the Queensbury school community and I’d like to thank everyone involved.”

For more on Queensbury School visit www.queensburysch.com

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NEWS: Erdington Walking Group raises hundreds for Diabetes UK at Birmingham Wellness Walk

Words by Liam Smith / Pics by Erdington Walking Group

A local walking group has raised over £350 for Diabetes UK, after taking part in the 10k Birmingham Wellness Walk last month.

Erdington Walking Group (EWG), formed in 2019, gathered in vibrant Diabetes UK t-shirts and painted faces, after taking inspiration from their Diabetes community program run from the Erdington Seventh Day Adventist Church on Wood End Lane. Led by Selina Gooden, the EWG surpassed their fundraising goal and helped support vital research and care services provided by Diabetes UK.

According to the charity, over 4.3 million people in the UK live with diabetes, with almost 14 thousand diabetes related deaths reported in 2019 alone.

Diabetes UK research further states the number of people registering with diabetes from 2020-21 rose by 148,951 from the previous year, with ‘more than 2.4 million people are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the UK’ –  with the condition leading to ‘184 amputations, more than 770 strokes, 590 heart attacks and 2,300 cases of heart failure’ every week.

EWG Leader Selina Gooden told Erdington Local: “I’m thankful to all who helped me to achieve my personal fundraising goal of £100, and due to the funds raised by the other EWG team members we were able to surpass our £100 goal by collectively raising £355 for Diabetes UK.”

Among the cheering crowd, Diabetes UK marshals offered support and encouragement along the route – with live music also adding to the festive yet fundraising atmosphere.

EWG member Hermy Skew said: “I walk daily and have been doing so for years. It helps me process my thoughts and enables my emotions to settle safely. It has kept me physically fit and psychologically resilient.

“My father passed away recently. He had diabetes and all the complications that come with chronic illnesses. A lot of my family and extended family suffer with the condition and its complications.

“Participating in the Birmingham Wellness Walk was an ideal opportunity to support research, indulge in my favourite hobby, and remember my father.

“It was an enjoyable experience, and I was touched by the support of my sponsors and well-wishers who helped me raise £115.” 

Diabetes UK Fundraising Events Manager, Rachel Coombs, added: “My heartfelt thanks to each and every person who walked, supported and fundraised. So far, the event has raised £92,000 for vital funds for the charity.”

For more on EWG visit www.facebook.com/erdingtonwalking or call Selina on 07990 109 117

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