West Brom volunteers get stuck in at Children’s Hospital art session

VOLUNTEERS from building society the West Brom showed their skills with glitter, glue and sticky stars to get stuck in at the Art Kart project at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
 
Five building society colleagues brought along an array of colourful materials and helped young patients have fun making cards and other items while waiting for their hospital appointments.
 
The out-patients department had a creative buzz as children joined the session with real enthusiasm, supported by their adult helpers.
 
Volunteer Nikki Willis, partnership manager with the West Brom, said: “It was a memorable experience for all of us. When you think of what these children are going through, helping them enjoy themselves by taking part in a fun activity was so rewarding. At the same time it makes you appreciate what you have in your own life.”
 
Fidelis Navas, new business manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, said: “We’re very grateful to the fantastic team from the West Brom who entertained and engaged with arts and crafts activities. Children and adults alike enjoyed it.”

Blues mascot enjoys ‘best day ever’

A YOUNG Birmingham City fan received a special surprise recently after being nominated for a VIP mascot experience at Blues’ clash against Derby County at St. Andrew’s.
 
Thanks to EZE Group’s EZE Wishes Campaign, seven-year-old ‘Bluenose’ Lucy Spilsbury was chosen for an EZE Wish after her grandfather Roy Love nominated her to win a mascot package.

It was in recognition of her courage since losing her mother, Emma Spilsbury to cancer in October last year.
 
Dressed in a complimentary kit, Lucy led Blues out alongside defender Michael Morrison before having photos with the team and Blues mascots Beau and Belle.
 
Roy said: “Lucy had the time of her life. She hasn’t stopped talking about it since, and said ‘it was the best day ever’.
 
“It was her first Christmas without her mother, so it was lovely that Lucy had something to look forward to. Her mother was a Bluenose, and would have been so proud to see Lucy leading the team onto the pitch in front of a packed stadium.”
 
Dominic O’Reilly, CEO of EZE Group, said: “We’re delighted to hear that Lucy enjoyed her day as a Blues VIP Mascot and pleased our EZE Wishes campaign continues to reward such worthy youngsters.”

PPDG starts the year as it means to go on

AS part of its on-going support for charities, employees at a local employment and training specialist donated £1,500 to Macmillan Cancer Support to help celebrate the start of 2015.
 
Staff from the West Midlands offices of Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) presented a cheque to local fundraising manager Emily Morgan after being inspired by the story of a young man who now volunteers for the charity.
 
Anthony’s cancer journey began at the age of 20 when he first began to be supported by a Macmillan nurse.
 
“When I was first diagnosed I was terrified, I’d gone from worrying about what exam grades I might achieve to wondering if I would even see the following year,” he said.
 
“I felt completely alone but Macmillan were there for me from day one, talking me through the process, guiding me though the treatment and still there now ensuring my recovery stays on track.”
 
Phil Pemble at PPDG said: “We have a wonderful workforce who care about others and are always keen to demonstrate the importance of charitable support.
 
“Our employees undertake cake and book sales, dress down days and all manner of events which have raised over £32,000 for Macmillan alone during the past decade.”

Kriss Akabusi start attraction at charity ball 

OLYMPIC and Commonwealth Games medallist Kriss Akabusi will discuss his career and the importance of building an engaged team as the special guest at a charity ball organised by Midland recruitment and training firm eResponse.

The firm is raising money for Make-A-Wish UK, a charity that sends children with life-limiting conditions on their dream holidays, through the gala event being held at Birmingham’s Motorcycle Museum.

A table of ten for the ball, which takes place on 29 January, costs £300 and a small number of places are still available.

The event will also include an auction, prizes, music and a five-course meal.
Paul Alekna, managing director of eResponse, said: “Kriss is one of the most interesting sportsmen of his generation.

“His enthusiasm and humour is infectious and we’re looking forward to hearing from him on the importance of building an engaged, winning team.”