Cadbury owner supports cerebral palsy centre

Birmingham confectionery firm, Cadbury’s has backed a community centre in the city which supports people with cerebral palsy.

The firm stepped in with a £3,000 donation to help a member of staff whose daughter uses the facility.

Harborne-based Cerebral Palsy Midlands helps hundreds of disabled people and their families every year who have cerebral palsy and other related conditions. The charity helps support people learning vital life skills, as well as promoting health and wellbeing, independence and broadening understanding of the condition.

The day centre runs a weekly programmer of activities including tai chi, music and vocal tuition, accessing the community, vocational training, IT skills, arts and crafts and parent and carer supportive groups.

The money was secured with the help of Malcolm Lilly, who is a boiler plant operative at Mondelēz International in Bournville. He applied for a donation through The Cadbury Foundation and its ‘Your Charity, Your Choice’ scheme.

Each year employees from across each of its UK operations are able to nominate a charity they believe should benefit from the scheme, and Mr Lilly decided to champion one close to his heart.

He said: “My daughter Vicky has a close connection to the charity attending the centre on a daily basis. She has had many opportunities in her life thanks to Cerebral Palsy Midlands and I really do try and help support them in what they are doing.

“With the charity being small they are always looking for opportunities and ways that they can get additional funding to continue the great work they do.”

Mr Lilly’s other daughter, Sarah, works as the charity’s development officer and helps fundraise to look after around 50 clients throughout the week.

Mr Lilly said Vicky’s condition means she is dependent on others to help her with daily needs such as feeding, changing, communicating, transport and much more.

“She does live independently now but attends the centre daily. It provides her with many opportunities to be empowered, develop new skills and go on trips. Without it, she would be more isolated and not have the same social and creative opportunities. It’s like one big family and one we are proud to be a part of,” he added.

Kelly Farrell, community affairs manager at Mondelēz International, added: “We are extremely proud that The Cadbury Foundation is supporting charities close to our employee’s hearts through our ‘Your Charity Your Choice’ scheme.  Cerebral Palsy Midlands are making a huge difference to the wellbeing of our local community and it’s fantastic to be able to support a charity that our colleagues are passionate about.”