Inspirational fundraisers who have supported patients of all ages through Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity have had their selfless efforts recognised at a special awards event.
Hosted by the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Louise Harrison, supporters who have walked, baked, donated, run, cycled and crafted to raise money were invited to a celebration afternoon tea and tour of the Mayor’s parlour, ahead of six accolades being presented.
There were six categories of awards:
- Business Support Award
- Young People’s Award
- Supporting Staff Award
- Rising Star Award
- Special Recognition Award
- Charity Recognition Award
Georgie Westley, Walsall Healthcare Fundraising Manager, said: “We held our first awards event towards the end of 2024 and it’s so important for our charity that we continue to acknowledge the phenomenal commitment of our fundraisers who are often “giving something back” following their own experiences.
“It was quite emotional to hear all the nominations and stop and reflect on people’s dedication and kindness and their determination to help others.
“I’d like to thank the Mayor of Walsall for hosting this event and congratulate all our winners while reminding all our shortlisted nominees that they should be very proud of themselves.”
Schoolgirl Carla Gonzalez won the Young People’s Support Award for baking cakes with her friends and selling them outside her house as well as playing her violin in Lichfield Town Centre just before Christmas.
She said: “I’m going to tell all my friends about the award!”
Rainer Derry, from Walsh’s Funeral Services won the Rising Star Award. Walsh’s became one of the charity’s corporate sponsors last year and as well as funding a football match and supporting Walsall’s Got Talent, the team provides a weekly donation of snacks for Goscote Hospice families, which in turn has created a family support group.
Rainer said: “I am quite emotional – I didn’t expect this at all.”
The other winners recognised at last Friday’s event, were:
Vibrant Networks – Business Support Award
Amrik Singh, Director, and his team make annual donations of Easter eggs, Christmas bags full of presents for patients in Goscote Hospice, support the Children’s Ward Christmas Extravaganza and provides sponsorship.
Matthew Chalenor – Supporting Staff Award
Matt has supported the charity many times, usually through its boxing event in which he has been a contestant many times. More recently, he took on the Heaton Park Manchester Ultramarathon and ran an incredible 60km all in memory of his dad Graham who was cared for at Goscote Hospice.
Sue Parfitt – Special Recognition Award
Following the wonderful care her father received on Cardiology Ward 7, and the support her mum received from our Breast Care Team, Sue set herself a challenge that every year she would do a huge fundraiser in the main atrium of Walsall Manor Hospital to raise money for the charity, split between these two funds. For four years running she has held a raffle, cake and hamper sale, raising a huge amount of money.
Katie Perry – Charity Recognition Award
Katie and her partner Liam have turned her own grief at their son Layton being stillborn, into helping other grieving families being supported by our Bereavement Midwifes. Over the last 12 months Katie has fundraised so that she can donate a cuddle cot and a privacy pram to Maternity Services, both of which will mean families can spend longer with their babies Katie has also set up a bereavement support group called Little Lights to support families across the borough.
Special mention too goes to the other nominees – Geoff’s Decks, Best of Walsall, Cheslyn Hay Academy, Myles Rich, Claire Flatt, Venugopal Guduri, Theatre 11, Andrew Straughan, Pelsall Community and Arts Centre, Walsall FC Supporters Trust, Crafting for Communities and Libby Mae’s Little Angels.