Hollywood Tim’s two footed Tokyo challenge

BIRMINGHAM businessman and charity fundraiser Tim Andrews received the support of Turkish Airlines for his latest endeavour – the Tokyo marathon.

Tim, who runs Tyseley-based signage company Hollywood Monster, joined around 36,000 runners on the 26-mile route across the city, and was hoping to raise around £5,000 for LoveBrum, the charity that unearths ‘hidden gem’ projects that help make Birmingham a better place.

His efforts were supported by Turkish Airlines, which currently operate three flights a day to Japan direct from Istanbul.

Tim said: “The support I’m getting from Turkish Airlines is gratefully received as it allows me to raise as much money as possible for the cause: LoveBrum.

“The team at Turkish Airlines has been incredibly supportive of this challenge and also my dedication to raising money for LoveBrum.”

BHSF backs ‘strictly for charity’ event

BHSF, the Birmingham-based not-for-profit business, is to sponsor Acorns Children’s Hospice’s inaugural “Keep Dancing for Acorns” charity event on March 28.

The charity’s dance competition will take place at the University of Birmingham’s Great Hall, with the likes of Midlands Today’s Joanne Malin and The Apprentice’s Jemma Bird attending to judge and host the event.

Acorns hopes to raise £20,000 through the evening, to help fund facilities and specialist care for children and young people at its three West Midlands hospices.

Employee benefits and healthcare insurance provider BHSF has a long-standing relationship with Acorns, supporting it as one of its seven charity partners.

Peter Maskell, BHSF group chief executive, said: “We are always keen to support Acorns however we can, be it through sponsorship, fundraising or volunteer work.

“This event has drawn support from some of Birmingham and the Midlands’ most prestigious organisations, and BHSF is proud to be numbered among these.”

Palletforce’s record charity donation

PALLETFORCE members have raised a record breaking £20,000 for charities at the network’s AGM.

Members of the Lichfield-based palletised distribution network gathered at the Hilton, at St George’s Park, Burton-on-Trent for the Palletforce AGM in January.

Following the AGM, a glittering evening event was held and hosted by comedian Rod Woodward, who recently appeared on stage at the Royal Variety Performance.

The record breaking £20,000 – which supersedes last year’s amount of £17,000 – was raised by a raffle and auction and will be split between Palletforce’s chosen charities The Midlands Air Ambulance and The Brain Tumour Charity.

“We were overwhelmed by the level of support and generosity shown towards our charity at the Palletforce AGM,” said Sofia Voutianitis, corporate fundraising manager for Midlands Air Ambulance.

“The money raised will directly help to fund five lifesaving air ambulance missions in the region, for which we, our patients and their families are extremely grateful.”

LadiesFirst announces charity of the year for 2015

A WARWICKSHIRE network for professional businesswomen has announced its charity of the year for 2015.
 
LadiesFirst Professional has chosen ‘Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer’ (LFBC) and has a series of fundraising events planned throughout the year in support of the local charity.
 
Julie Richardson, director of LadiesFirst said: “It always very difficult to choose just one charity as they are so many deserving causes. However, being an all-female network and knowing that there are a number of our members who have been touched by breast cancer in some way, made complete sense.

“We particularly admire the fact that all funds raised by LFBC are spent locally helping many women across the West Midlands region.”
 
LFBC was established in 2000 by Veronica Kumeta and her late friend Sue Macmaster after learning that their friend Carol Knaggs has been diagnosed with the disease. Since that time, LFBC has given over £1m to the Queen Elizabeth’s Cancer Unit which has helped fund new equipment and create a centre of excellence.