Fundraisers, businesses and supporters all came together to celebrate the 10th birthday of Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity and reflect on the numerous ways it has made a difference to patients, families and staff over the last decade.
Last night’s event started with a Hindu Blessing from the Bharti ladies Group which has supported the charity many times with donations, including gifts for patients in Walsall Manor Hospital and Goscote Hospice on Christmas Day, and cash towards a project to improve the Chemotherapy Unit with wall art.
Guests were able to watch a film detailing the charity’s achievements which included a Children’s Ward playroom makeover, staff and patient memorial garden, legacies that have been used to buy equipment to enhance patients’ experience, items to support patients living with dementia, a hospital Chapel refurbishment plus a host of events ranging from boxing to cricket and football, talent shows and quizzes.
Charity Patron Martin Gethin, former British lightweight boxing champion, was among those who joined the celebration.
He said: “I’m proud to be part of Well Wishers which is a fantastic local charity that helps communities throughout Walsall and works so hard to improve healthcare services for patients and their families. Happy 10th birthday Well Wishers – you’ve been amazing!”
Last night’s guests included Sir David Nicholson KCB CBE, Group Chair of Walsall Healthcare and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trusts, Joe Chadwick-Bell, Group Chief Executive and Amelia Godson Managing Director. Professor Martin Levermore, Group Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Charity Committee and Paul Assinder, Deputy Chair of Walsall Healthcare and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trusts joined local businesses and supporters to enjoy musical entertainment from singer Niamh Mulligan and saxophonist Myles Rich as well as a circus act.
Sir David said: “The wonderful thing about Walsall is that it supports the community – whether working, volunteering or as patients. All of these things come together to make the organisation what it is.
“It’s really important for local people to feel they can make a contribution and by having a local charity means decisions can be made quickly when areas of need have been identified.”
Joe Chadwick-Bell added: “You should all be really proud of yourselves as a community. Every single penny you give goes back into our services to support patients or our colleagues. The charity couldn’t do what it does without you. Thank you.”
Community groups and businesses that work with Well Wishers enjoyed refreshments, a special birthday cake and a film show highlighting the charity’s activities over the last decade.
Jagdev Singh, from the Darbar Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in Rollingmill Street which regularly makes donations towards fundraising projects and has been especially kind to Walsall Healthcare staff during heatwaves and special events by supplying samosas, fruit and water, praised the charity’s achievements.
He said: “It’s so important to our community to give back and Well Wishers has the same ethos. Every time a project is completed or an improvement made, supporters can come and see exactly what they have been a part of. We have enjoyed being part of Well Wishers’ history.”
Many guests became emotional after watching the Well Wishers film capturing highlights from the last 10 years.
Stallholder Lisa Turley who was with husband Paul, owner of Turleys Electrical Limited and one of the charity’s corporate sponsors, said: “We aren’t out and about across the wards so to see the things that Well Wishers has done for patients that we didn’t realise is really humbling and I did feel a bit tearful. It’s just such a lovely, caring charity.”
Well Wishers was established in 2016 when the Trust’s existing charity was re-branded and given its new name.
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager, said: “Well Wishers is my absolute passion and to think we have been fundraising for ten years is something to shout about.
“The charity has grown and grown, and I want to thank all our loyal supporters, businesses and our generous community because we couldn’t do what we do without them. And a special thank you to our dedicated volunteers who are equally committed to Well Wishers. The Fundraising Team hopes everyone enjoyed celebrating with us and here’s to the next 10!”