BMW revs up behind Movember campaign

MOUSTACHES sprouted up all over the place at BMW’s engine manufacturing plant at Hams Hall as the workforce got behind the ‘Movember’ charity and health initiative (see picture).

More than 60 men working at the plant pulled together in true MoBro style generating donations totaling £10,000 while raising awareness of important men’s health issues.

“I have been overwhelmed by the response we had from everyone to get involved” said logistics manager Jim Richards, who captained the MoBro team at BMW Plant Hams Hall.

“Men are typically not comfortable talking about health issues and it is really important that we start changing our attitudes and habits. The majority of our workforce is male and most of us all know somebody via friends or family affected by illness.”

And Movember madness raises dividends at Crowe Clark Whitehill too

JOHNATHAN Dudley, Midlands managing partner of audit, tax and advisory firm Crowe Clark Whitehill, along with fellow members of the firm’s “Movember” team, also became hirsute for a good cause last month.

All grew moustaches as part of the worldwide campaign to generate vital funds and awareness for men’s health including prostate and testicular cancer.

The seven raised a significant amount but none opted to keep the fuzz on the top lip.

“It was all a bit itchy and the wags kept asking if we were auditioning for a spaghetti western,” quipped Dudley.

“And I think there were a few ultimatums from wives!”

But it was all for a good cause.

It is estimated that one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and this year will see 40,000 new cases of the disease in the UK alone. Some 47% of testicular cancer cases occur in men aged under 35 and over 90% in men under 55.

Jobson James boss supports Surviving Winter Appeal

THE director of a Birmingham based business is supporting an appeal to help older and vulnerable people keep warm and survive this winter.

Richard Venner, managing director of the financial planning and wealth management business Jobson James,  has made a donation to the Birmingham and Black Country Community Foundation (BBCCF) in aid of the Surviving Winter Appeal, to help some of the 700,000 homes living in fuel poverty in the West Midlands.

BBCCF is calling on all who can afford it to forgo their winter fuel allowance, as well as those who do not receive the payment but wish to support the cause, to donate to the appeal.

In 2010 more than 2700 vulnerable people died in the West Midlands from causes directly attributable to cold and poor living conditions.

Venner said: “To think of people dying of cold in this country and our region because they cannot afford enough heating is really distressing and I am happy to make a donation to the Surviving Winter Appeal through Birmingham and Black Country Community Foundation.

“This small gesture is such an easy and obvious way to support local people in real need and I hope others will follow suit and spread a little warmth.”

Inspired Accountants raise more than £1,000 for St Giles Hospice

LICHFIELD-based Inspired Accountants has presented St Giles Hospice with a cheque for £1,060 after hosting a quiz evening for clients and associates.

Inspired organised and hosted the quiz at Darnford Moors Golf Club as part of a year long fundraising effort for St Giles Hospice. 

On the night 56 people attended with 14 teams entering the quiz.

Inspired’s managing director Paul Bulzacchelli said: “The quiz was a great success with such a good number of clients and business partners taking part and helping raise such a large amount of money.  

“St Giles Hospice is a really worthwhile cause and we know exactly where the money is going and that it will be well-spent providing specialist medical and nursing care for people with cancer and other serious illnesses as well going towards providing support for their families and helpers.”

The quiz was such a success that Inspired has decided to make it an annual fundraising occasion and has confirmed Thursday September 26 as the date for next year’s event.