Tag: fundraising

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NEWS: The Swan pub raises over five thousand pounds to support John Taylor Hospice

Words by Ed King

The Swan on Erdington High Street / Image supplied by Stonegate Group

The Swan pub recently raised over five thousand pounds to help support John Taylor Hospice in Erdington.

The popular local boozer organised a series of fundraising events to raise money for Birmingham Hospice, the charity which manages end of life and palliative care facilities in both Erdington and Selly Oak.

Events including hamper raffles, toy drives, clothes collections, and book sales, saw The Swan raise a total £5,140 from generous regulars and local residents.

Fundraising sign / Image supplied by the Stonegate Group

Throughout January, staff at The Swan also gave up alcohol in bid to raise even more funds for the hospice charity, with bar top collection buckets getting a steady stream of donations.

Staff at The Swan thank the generosity of the Erdington community, with many local residents and pub regulars having personal connections to John Taylor Hospice.

Pub operator Wayne Hinton told: “To see the community come together to support such an important charity was a heartwarming and prime example of what makes the Erdington community so brilliant.

“The hospice is very close to all of us in the area and I’d like to personally thank every single person who has been generous enough to give money to a fantastic cause.”

He added: “A huge thanks must also go to our own staff who have not been afraid to get stuck in, raising a huge £5,140, and we’re not going to stop there! We have plenty more fundraising efforts to come in the coming months so watch this space!”

The Swan, located at 65 Erdington High Street, is a longstanding and popular community pub, operated as part of the Stonegate owned Craft Union Pub Company.

Drinks on draught / Image supplied by the Stonegate Group

Recent fundraising efforts are part Craft Union’s ‘Make it a Million’ campaign, which started in 2024 and aimed to raise £1 million for local causes through its network of over 600 pubs across the year.

At the time of writing the national portfolio of pubs and licenced had raised approximately £972,660 during the twelve month campaign, with staff at Stonegate’s support team contributing a further £96,813.

For more on The Swan visit www.craftunionpubs.com/swan-erdington

For more on Birmingham Hospice visit www.birminghamhospice.org.uk

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: The Pioneer Group raises over £2,150 for UK’s leading pregnancy and birth support charity, Tommy’s

Words by The Pioneer Group

The Pioneer Group staff Katie and Serina at charity bake sale (750px) / PIc supplied by The Pioneer Group

The Pioneer Group is proud to announce a successful year of fundraising efforts, culminating in a donation of £2,152 to Tommy’s – the UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting people around pregnancy and childbirth.

Named after St Thomas’ Hospital in London, where the UK’s first ever pregnancy research centre was established from 1997-2021, Tommy’s is dedicated to supporting those dealing with the heartbreak and devastation after losing a baby – and to make pregnancy and birth as safe as possible.

Tommy’s work tirelessly across the whole pregnancy journey to drive change at every level – translating its research breakthroughs into new tests and treatments in clinical care, changing national maternity policy and providing expert information and support for anyone who needs it.

The contribution from The Pioneer Group could fund a month of research by a Tommy’s scientist, helping to prevent second trimester losses and reduce the heartbreak of baby loss.

Staff, stakeholders, and residents of The Pioneer Group came together throughout the year to support this important cause, participating in a variety of creative fundraising activities.

Notable fundraising highlights include:

  • David Bucknall running 60 miles over the month of June
  • Sarah Melaney walking 100 miles during May
  • Kathryn Priest completing 100 skips every day in October
  • A series of community events, including a bake sale, a bake-off by the Executive Leadership Team, a World Cup football sweepstake, Christmas raffle donations, and a sponsored football game
The Pioneer Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Wilson / Pic supplied by The Pioneer Group

Simon Wilson, Chief Executive of The Pioneer Group, expressed his pride in the efforts: “This great achievement reflects the passion and commitment of everyone involved, from our staff to our residents.

He added:” Supporting Tommy’s vital work to prevent baby loss aligns with our core values of delivering safe and supportive communities. We’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.”

Sarah House, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Tommy’s, also told: “We feel incredibly grateful to work with amazing organisations such as The Pioneer Group whose support is crucial in helping us to continue our mission to stop the heartbreak and devastation of baby loss and make pregnancy and birth safe – for everyone.”

For more on Tommy’s visit www.tommys.org
For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Generosity abounds – non-uniform day and shoebox appeal at Wilson Stuart School

Words & pic supplied by Wilson Stuart School

Students and staff collecting for the shoebox appeal / Pic supplied by Wilson Stuart School

In a commendable display of community spirit, Wilson Stuart recently organised a non-uniform day, encouraging students to donate generously in support of children and young people aided by Birmingham Children’s Services.

The initiative was met with enthusiasm and participation from all classes across school, underscoring our commitment to social responsibility.

Particularly notable was the effort of Challenge 4 class group, whose members demonstrated exceptional dedication in collecting donations. Through their hard work, they inspired classmates to contribute an array of items, ensuring that the shoebox appeal was a resounding success.

The students embraced the opportunity to spread joy and kindness, reinforcing the notion that even small gestures can significantly impact the lives of those in need.

As a result of the collective efforts, our school has successfully filled over 30 shoeboxes, each packed with thoughtful gifts designed to bring comfort and happiness to disadvantaged children this festive season. The shoeboxes will be forwarded to charity organisations, reinforcing the significance of our contributions.

Form Teacher Jenny Worthington expressed her pride in the students’ efforts, stating: “We have made a meaningful difference in the lives of others, and it is inspiring to see our students come together for such a worthy cause.”

For more on Wilson Stuart School visit www.wilsonstuart.co.uk

Wilson Stuart School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]

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NEWS: St Thomas’ Association raise £400 to support brain injury rehabilitation centre

Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by St Thomas’ Association and Google Maps)

Earlier this year, members of the St Thomas’ Association handed over a cheque of £400 to West Heath House – a Birmingham based rehabilitation centre that provides care and support for people recovering from brain injury.

The money was raised after kind hearted people at the Erdington social club, situated on Station Road, held fundraising raffles over six weeks and generated a total of £1000 for charity.

Donations were also made to Birmingham Hospice Partnership – who operate John Taylor Hospice on Grange Road, the Alzheimer’s Society – and Guide Dogs for the Blind. 

West Heath House, based in West Heath, is run by the national charity Brainkind and is and is one of the only places in the city that can offer ‘innovative rehabilitation and ongoing support to enable people to thrive after a brain injury.’

The South Birmingham facility was chosen by people from St Thomas’ Association after one of their longstanding members – Colin Anderson, who has played dominoes at the club for over 30 years – became a resident at West Heath House.

Staff from the centre took time from their own personal life to escort Colin to a special dominoes league presentation night at St Thomas’ Association in October last year, traveling across Birmingham and back again, and won the hearts of the people who use the club and know Colin.

After receiving the generous donation from St Thomas’ Association, West Heath House Service Manager, Paul Higgins, responded in writing by saying: ‘I would like to thank all members of the St Thomas Association for their amazingly kind donation. The money will be used for the people we support in a way of their choosing.’

St Thomas’ Association has been part of the Erdington community for nearly 130 years, having first opened its doors in 1895. The club recently had an upgrade worth £200k and offers a vibrant social and events calendar – alongside top of the range facilities for private parties, functions, and corporate bookings.

For more on St Thomas’ Association visit www.saint-toms.co.uk or call (0121) 373 4144

For more on West Heath House visit www.brainkind.org/services/west-heath-house

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NEWS: Kingstanding rallies round family after sudden death of kind hearted mum and animal lover

Words by Kingstanding editorial team

The Kingstanding community has rallied round a kind hearted local family, after the sudden death of a 42-year-old mum left behind more than just her grieving loved ones.

Animal lover Clare Banks, who had attended Stockland Green School, could never turn her back on an animal in distress, and along with her long-term partner Simon and their seventeen-year-old son Mikey had adopted a house full of rescue animals.

But following her fatal heart attack at home earlier this year, Clare’s tragic and sudden death also left her beloved 22-year-old horse Tallulah facing an uncertain future – with the horse potentially being put down if the stable costs to keep her could not be met.

Clare’s friend Louise Jordan, who also looks after Tallulah’s sister, launched a GoFundMe page to safeguard the horses’ future and prevent her being put down if a buyer cannot be found.

Within 48 hours nearly 40 people donated more than £1,300 to the online campaign, smashing the target of £1000 and ensuring Tallulah had the finance needed to keep her safe and pay for her upkeep at the stables where devoted Clare had cared for her.

Louise Jordan told: “Clare was just 42 when she unexpectedly lost her life. The family have requested no flowers, but instead are asking for donations to help look after her beloved horse (Tallulah) who’s missing her so much.”

A well loved member of the Kingstanding community, hundreds of people turned out for Clare’s funeral on Friday 13 October at Streetly Crematorium and for the wake held at New Oscott Social Club.

Greving partner Simon, 47, explained: “Clare was like Dr Doolittle, I’ve never known anyone love or care for animals like she did.

“When she was a girl, she found an injured squirrel and managed to tame her and have it as a pet for years, its unheard of to that with a wild squirrel.

“She was one of a kind. I’ve so many pets now, including four dogs; she would always get her way when it came to saving a dog from being put down. She should have been a vet.”

He added: “She even convinced me to get two horses, not one, when she told me Tallulah’s sister needed a home too. And she presented the horse to her friend as a Mother’s Day present, because she was like that.”

“However, we need to ensure Tallulah is looked after so she can stay with her sister at the stables in Walsall Wood. So many people have come forward, because she touched so many lives.”

Simon, an asbestos removal manager, added: “Kingstanding has just been amazing, so many people have offered their love and support.

“There is not a lot that can be said at the moment, we are all in shock. All I can do is give people a hug and thank them.”

To help support Tallulah and donate to the appeal, visit www.gofundme.com/f/keep-clares-horse-whos-missing-her-so-much – or search ‘Keep Clare’s horse’ on www.GoFundMe.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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NEWS: Local support worker ‘braves the shave’ to raise hundreds for Macmillan Cancer Support

Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by Debbie Bates

As many people got glammed up ahead of a last minute New Year’s Eve reprieve, one local support worker was shaving herself bald – raising well over a thousand pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

On 28 December, Debbie Bates decided to ‘Brave the Shave’ and have her long flowing locks lopped off for charity, generating over £1300 in sponsorship and donations for the national cancer support organisation.

Debbie’s long brown hair, which reached far down her back, was further donated to The Little Princess Trust – a UK based charity providing free real hair wigs to young people who have lost their hair after cancer treatment or other illnesses.

Click here to make an online donation to Debbie Bates’s Brave the Shave campaign, accepting contributions until the end of January 2022.

Debbie, who is a qualified social worker and the Health and Wellbeing Development Manager for Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA), was spurned to shave off her hair in respect of family members who have died of cancer – including her own mother, Shirley Reynolds, who passed away tragically young aged only 38.

Shirley Reynolds would have celebrated her seventieth birthday on 28 December, the day that Debbie decided to ‘brave the shave’ and have her hair cut off for the cancer charity – surrounded by friends and family at The Royal Oak pub in Kingsbury, Tamworth.

Debbie told: “Brave the Shave was a very personal and emotional experience for me as my mum had beautiful long hair which ‘fell out’ due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“The most humbling thing about the experience was listening to stories from so many friends and colleagues who have also lost loved ones to cancer.

“Having them share their memories and listening to their experiences is something that will stay with me forever.”

Shirley Reynolds

At the time of writing, Debbie Bates had raised over £1380 for Macmillan Cancer Support – smashing her original target of £500, with people from across the community donating and showing support via Debbie’s official Brave the Shave page on the Macmillan website.

Debbie O’Connor posted: “Such a fabulous thing to do Debbie and for such a worthy cause! You’re mom would be so proud. Hope you’ve got your woolly hat ready! Sending heavenly birthday wishes.”

Chantelle Holmes added: “It’s exactly what is says on the tin ‘Brave’, not many people could or would do it. You really are one truly inspiring woman.”

Brave the Shave is an annual fundraising initiative organised by Macmillan Cancer Support, one of the UK’s leading cancer charities.

Launched in 2015, the yearly shear has generated over £22.7 million in sponsorship and donations – a fantastic fundraising figure that could pay for 140 Macmillan nurses for three years.

Like many cancer charities, Macmillan is heavily reliant on  sponsorship and  donations to fund its staff and services.

Debbie Bates’s Brave the Shave campaign will be taking donations until the end of January 2022.

To make on online contribution to Debbie’s Brave the Save campaign visit www.bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/debbie-bates

For more information on Brave the Shave visit www.bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk

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NEWS: “I’m scared. I want to stay alive.” A race against time for Kingstanding mother kidney transplant

Words by Adam Smith / Pics supplied by Becky Roberts & family

A Kingstanding mother-of-three is in a desperate race against time as without a kidney transplant she has just two years to live.

Several potential donors have come forward but due to coronavirus the NHS is not testing people, creating “a death sentence” for Becky Roberts.

Without a Caribbean heritage donor Becky will not survive Anti-GBM Disease – a rare disorder where the immune system mistakenly attack vital organs.

Becky told Erdington Local: “I’m scared. I want to stay alive. It has been a nightmare whirlwind; I went into hospital on Christmas Eve in 2018 and was misdiagnosed with food poisoning.

“If I had not have gone back a few days later I would have died the next day because my kidneys were operating at 1%. I spent the next four months in hospital which turned my life upside down.

“I’ve got a one in a million rare disease which doctors say they only see once every ten years.”

She added: “I was told I had five years to live and that was three years ago, so I have two years left. Going private is now my only option because the NHS are not testing live donors due to the pandemic.”

Becky has haemodialysis three-time-a-week, four-hours per day, at the Castle Vale Dialysis Unit, and five of her family have offered to be tested to donate a kidney.

Daughter Aliyah launched a GoFundMe campaign last month which has already raised near to £100than £8,000 as well as several transplant volunteers.

Click here to visit the ‘Help Save Becky’s Life’ GoFundMe campaign page.

The former Great Barr School pupil said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone, I’ve had people I’ve not seen since school get in touch and donate money. I’ve even had people offer to donate kidneys.

“People are so kind; I need every penny I can get to stay alive. We need to raise £86,000 so I can see my children grow up.”

Becky’s daughter Aliyah added: “She has endured more than anybody should, experiencing chemotherapy treatment to help with the disease, losing her hair, and enduring countless operations over the past two years.”

For more click here or search ‘Help Save Becky’s Life’ on www.gofundme.com 

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NEWS: Dying Castle Vale schoolgirl’s EuroDisney wish sparks massive community fundraising effort

Words by Adam Smith / Pics supplied by Keena Cespedes

A dying Castle Vale schoolgirl’s wish to see EuroDisney is a step closer after £4,600 was raised in a month by big-hearted friends, family, and the community.

Six-year-old Kionne Holding, who has an incurable rare form of epilepsy, wants to go meet the Little Mermaid with the rest of her family – but due the specialist disability travel arrangements the holiday could cost £10,000.

However, when her mother Keena Cespedes, who has been at her daughter’s side for the last 93 days at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, launched a GoFundMe page (Kionne’s Fund) in August there was an overwhelming response.

Click here or on the hyperlink above to visit the GoFundMe page – Kionne’s Fund

Kionne’s Fund has inspired online music festival fundraisers, reggae brunches, and raffles. Family friend Lee Crofts is also undertaking a sponsored ‘Castle Vale to Paris Triathlon’ which has so far raised £1,600.

Keena, aged 37, told Erdington Local: “I can’t even begin to say how amazing people have been since I told people about Kionne, friends, family, and strangers have sent me messages of support and my daughter presents.

“I put up the GoFundMe page without thinking anything would happen, I would have been happy with £50 but it feels like the whole of Castle Vale has got involved, as well as people across Birmingham.

“We have now raised more than £4,600. I know times are hard for people, so it really means a lot people are donating.”

Keena remembers Kionne as a bubbly, funny, lovable child before last November when she suddenly began having seizures and headaches. Two months later she was diagnosed with small tumor on her brain and a rare form of epilepsy called Lennox Gasture Syndrome.

Her condition deteriorated and she in the last nine months she’s lost the ability to walk, talk and eat. Doctors have given her various drugs, treatments, and alternative remedies but all to no avail.

Keena said: “Due to all the drugs she is on she does not understand what is being done for her and all the love people have for her, but we still are hoping to take her to EuroDisney with her sisters.”

Tragically Keena has already had to have a conversation with specialists about Kionne’s end of life care.

She said: “This syndrome has taken everything away from her and is slowly killing my baby. She is unable to walk, eat for herself, and now her speech is going. She now speaks like a three-year-old not a six-year-old. She cannot be treated and there is no cure. I’m coming to terms with my baby dying and the little time we have left with her.

“All I want to do now is make her life as amazing as possible and one way is to get her on holiday with her sisters who she loves so much.”

And due to the coronavirus pandemic, Kionne has been unable to get visits and cuddles from her three sisters.

Keena added: “Only I can go and visit her because of COVID-19, Kionne misses her sisters and they miss her but there is nothing that can be done about that – that is why it would be wonderful if we could all go away together. We would need specialist care when we are there and have to stay in adapted hotels, but it can be done and we are hoping to go early next year now.”

Castle Vale fundraiser Lee Crofts has now cycled the distance from “The Ressies to Dover” and also organised a reggae brunch at Minworth Social Club.

He said: “We’ve had amazing gestures of support with events, raffles set up, prize donations, and raised £500 in a day.

“The little superhero is fighting the hardest fight of all, so let’s make the dark days a little brighter and give her. Her wish of a holiday with her sisters to make some priceless memories.”

To sponsor Lee as he continues his bid to cycle, run and walk the distance to Paris, click here to visit the Kionne’s Wish PayPal page.

The Chivenor Primary School pupil has touched the hearts of the nurses at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where she has been for the last three months.

Nurse Victoria Mulligan posted on the GoFundMe page: ‘I have had the pleasure of looking after Kionne and every shift she brightened my day with a massive smile and huge hug.

‘She holds on to you so that you can’t leave her side, she sings to you, she makes you laugh, she is super brave and absolutely deserves to go on holiday which will never make up for all she has gone through but will give her and her family an experience of happiness to remember forever.’

For more information or to donate to Kionne’s Fund visit: www.gofundme.com/f/kionnes-fund

To sponsor Lee Crofts – as he cycles, runs and walks the distance to Paris – visit the Kionne’s Wish PayPal page here: www.tiny.cc/qpaysz   

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NEWS: Erdington United – local football heading for the big leagues

Words by Adam Smith / Pics courtesy of Erdington United

Erdington United could be a semi-professional club playing in its own stadium and hosting FA Cup ties within 15 years, under ambitious plans unveiled by its chairman this week.

The club is hoping to create a shining beacon of non-league football in a desolate North Birmingham for semi-professional teams.

Unlike the Black Country, which has a host of non-league football clubs including Stourbridge Town, Halesowen Town, Lye Town, and Sporting Khalsa – Birmingham is chronically underrepresented in the footballing pyramid.

However, chairman of Erdington United – Luke Caulfield – told Erdington Local everyone at the club is determined to put Erdington on the footballing map.

He said: “North Birmingham is crying out for a decent non-league team to get behind and we believe Erdington has got the community to create a thriving football club.

“And we have recently found out that we have the history because there was an Erdington United which played from the 1950s until the 1980s.

“We formed in 2014, then had a break but came back stronger last season and we have got our place in the Festival League for next season.”

The 30-year-old added: “I told our annual general meeting last week that in 15 years I want Erdington United to be playing semi-professional football on a Saturday, which would mean we would qualify for the FA Cup.”

“There is a site on Spring Lane that would be perfect for a clubhouse and our long term plan has to be to have a stadium of our own, I know it will take years and years for this to be a reality but it is something we can all work towards.”

The club is currently finalising where they will be playing next season but one thing is for sure, after each game the team will all be heading to The Kingstanding Inn, Warren Farm Road.

Luke said: “We are really fostering a family feel for the club and the owners at the Kingstanding Inn, near where we played by last season, really looked after us, they put a spread of food on every week and it’s great to all get together after a game.”

Last season, using a squad of local players mostly under 25-years-old, the team qualified for a cup final but their day in the sun was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, due to an innovative and relentless social media strategy Erdington United used the lockdown to increase the profile of the club.

Two Facebook posts about limited edition specially designed kids, Support the NHS and Black Lives Matter, went viral leading to orders from across the country for the strips.

Luke said: “As soon as one batch of kits are delivered they are sold out, people liked our Support the NHS kits but the demand for Black Lives Matter strip has been insane.

“We have had orders from Newcastle, Leeds, London, Rugeley and random other places. I spoke to our manager about a Black Lives Matter kit and he was up for it, we have a mixed squad of players and growing up in Erdington I’ve obviously got black friends and family members so we wanted to make a statement.

“We asked GB Kits if they could make them for us and they cannot make them quick enough because of the demand. It has been a brilliant way of introducing people to Erdington United.”

Whereas Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City’s social media accounts all attracted racist and abusive comments under Black Lives Matter posts – Erdington United fans on Facebook were totally positive.

Luke, who went to Edmund Campion School, added: “We want to reflect Erdington as a club so obviously I was really proud how everyone reacted to our Black Lives Matter posts.”

To follow Erdington United on Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/ErdingtonU

To find Erdington United on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/erdington.utd.7