Colmore Business team pulls out all the stops for hospice
July 11, 2011
A Colmore Business District member has wowed staff at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice with their incredible fundraising efforts in the charity’s first ever corporate accumulator challenge.
Co-operative Bank’s John Pointer and Rozna Haque have literally thrown themselves into the contest by taking part in skydiving and long distance cycling in order to raise money for the Selly Park-based hospice.
So far, staff at the bank in Colmore Row have almost hit £3,000 in Birmingham St Mary’s 15-week Corporate Accumulator Challenge, in which companies were given a £50 stake to turn into serious cash to fund care for people with life-limiting illnesses including cancer, Aids and multiple sclerosis.
Roz took part in the skydive event on the June 18, jumping from 13,000 feet. She landed safely and has raised over £1,000 so far.
John, who will be cycling from Stratford to Birmingham and back in August, said: “Last year I ran the Great North Run, so it was time for a fresh challenge, although I think jumping from a plane with Roz would have been safer. As a team our aim was to get to the £500 target but we have been amazed by the generosity of our clients, business partners and family and friends”.
Challenge organiser Theresa Meek said she had been blown away by the Co-op team’s dedication. “At Birmingham St Mary’s we’re extremely impressed by the amount they’ve raised so far and we still have more than a month to go. John and Roz and their colleagues certainly relish a challenge. On behalf of our patients and their families, I would like to say a huge thanks to Co-op for their efforts.”
Other companies and organisations taking part include Harvey Ingram, DBS Law and Newman University College.
With another six weeks to go there is still time for other companies to claim their £50 stake and get fundraising for the Hospice. Businesses who think they can beat Co-op are invited to contact Theresa on 0121 472 1191. For further information go to www.bsmh.org.uk/accumulator2011.php
Each year Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice cares for around 1,000 people with terminal conditions including cancer, MS, motor neurone disease and Aids.
The majority of patients are looked after in their homes, surrounded by family and friends. Those with more complex medical needs are able to stay in the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit in Selly Park for respite or symptom control.
Birmingham St Mary’s Day Hospice on the same site offers patients with less advanced conditions the chance of a weekly visit to receive medical support, complementary and creative therapies and friendship, whilst giving their home carers some time off.
Each year the Hospice needs to raise nearly £2.5 million in the community towards its £6.4 million annual running costs, 45 percent of which comes from the NHS and the remainder from its nine shops.
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