M6toll support helps patients keep in touch with loved ones
Midland Expressway Ltd (operators of the M6toll) have shown their support to University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) Charity by providing a donation of £1,500 through their Drive for Charity In the Community scheme.
The donation will be used to buy tablets that will allow older patients across the Queen Elizabeth, Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull hospitals to communicate with their families whilst in hospital.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, patients across University Hospitals Birmingham have been unable to receive visits from their loved ones. UHB Charity has asked for support to fund iPads and other tablets that will allow patients to see their families through video calls, helping them to keep in contact whilst in hospital.
Laura Power, Fundraising Manager at Good Hope Hospital Charity, said: “Our thanks go to everyone who voted for our Charity from M6toll. The generous donation that we’ve received will allow us to fund tablets for more patients across our hospitals, helping to give them the comfort of speaking and seeing their loved ones through this difficult time.”
Many patients have already benefitted from the tablets, amongst them is Gladys, who was able to speak to her family after not seeing them for two weeks whilst she was in hospital.
Natalie Morton, Ward Manager for Ward West One at QEHB, said: “We have been using the tablets daily and it’s been so useful at this difficult time helping patients to keep in touch with their family. It’s been so lovely to see our patients happily talking to their families during such an uncertain time.
“Some of our patients are in hospital for a very long time, so having these tablets is invaluable to those who want to keep in touch with their families.”
Joanne Brett, MEL Social Committee Member added: “We are so proud to be providing support to our local NHS in these challenging and uncertain times. We hope that our donation will bring their patients some happiness allowing them to communicate and keep in touch with their loved ones ”.
MEL’s donation forms part of a wider initiative to support local schools and community projects. MEL’s Social Committee is always on the lookout for local charities and community projects to support. To register your charity or community project with MEL for consideration to receive fundraising or practical (volunteering) support now or in the future visit Drive for Charity for further information.
To read more news on our charity work, Click Here.
Back to newsM6toll Supports Local Children’s Hospice
As part of the M6toll’s Drive for Charity ‘In the Community’ funding, Midland Expressway Ltd (MEL); operators of the M6toll have provided £1,500 to Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Members of MEL’s Social Committee visited Acorns hospice in the Black Country, based in Walsall, this week to meet with their team and gain a better understanding of the specialist care and support they provide to local children and families.
MEL’s £1,500 will be utilised for the essential care and support of one child for two days, which includes bereavement care for families, the running and maintenance of hydrotherapy pools and hydro-spa, community support for families and support towards the laundry provision at two hospices.
Karen Larkin, HR Business Partner at MEL said: “We are delighted to support Acorns, it was extremely emotional to see first-hand the home-from-home environment and the individual care which the Walsall team provides.”
Rachel Learmonth, Partnership Officer (Trusts & Major Donors) at Acorns, said: “It was wonderful to welcome members of MEL’s Social Committee to our hospice in the Black Country so they could see for themselves how this fantastic donation will be spent.
“As a charity we rely on generous donations by local businesses and the community to raise the funds we need each day to run our hospices and provide our care and support services. So, this money will make a real difference to the children and families who need us.”
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for life limited and life threatened babies, children and young people across the West Midlands, as well as support for their families. This lifeline care is offered from its three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community. In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children and over 1,220 families, including those who are bereaved.
For more information on how you can support Acorns, please visit www.acorns.org.uk. To read more on our community work, Click Here.
Back to newsLocal Activity Centre Trust receives cash boost from M6toll
Staff from Midland Expressway Ltd (operators of the M6toll) recently visited Beaudesert Activity Centre after providing the Trust with £1500 towards their fundraising campaign.
Midland Expressway Limited’s (MEL) donation was a great boost to the Trust whose volunteers will now be able to begin work on building a grass sledging run for their young visitors.
Beaudesert Activity Centre is run and managed by the Beaudesert Trust and is a 130 acre site on the edge of Cannock Chase which provides fun and adventure for 60,000 young people a year. The Trust was founded to manage lands gifted for use by scouts, guides and other youth organisations.
In its 75 years it has provided visitors with exciting and safe day visits and overnight camping and residential experiences. The Beaudesert Trust is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment to promote learning and development of young people, working with groups such as the scouts, guides, youth groups, schools, colleges, and the Prince’s Trust.
Jeremy Cotton, Chairman said: “Beaudesert Outdoor Activity Centre is very grateful for the donation of £1500 from Midland Expressway Ltd. The grass sledging run will add a dimension of excitement for our young visitors and specifically build upon self-confidence and teamwork!”
Stuart Spence, MEL Social Committee Member added: “It was a real pleasure to visit the Beaudesert Activity Centre and hear about the exciting activities that are available to young people and groups such as The Princes Trust. Our Drive for Charity campaign is all about supporting projects and people within the towns and villages surrounding the toll road, so we are pleased to have been able to make this contribution.”
More information about Beaudesert Activity Centre can be found here http://www.beaudesert.org/. Alternatively, discover more of the Great Work Funded By Drive For Charity Here.
Back to newsM6toll Backs Bags for Brummies Campaign
A Birmingham campaign that supports homeless people in the area has been backed by M6toll’s Drive for Charity scheme for the second year running.
Organised by Birmingham-based charity LoveBrum, the ‘Bags for Brummies’ campaign invites people from across the region to donate a selection of items which go into care packages for the homeless community, handed out in bags sponsored by M6toll.
Andy Cliffe, chief executive of M6toll said: “We are delighted to support Bags for Brummies again this year. We know that the winter months can be tough for those living on the streets, so we hope the bags can provide comfort this festive season.
“Our team will also be volunteering to help pack the bags we have sponsored, as we believe it is important to be fully involved in the projects we support.”
Paul Mitchell, executive director at LoveBrum, added: “It’s our aim to help and support the homeless community as much as possible, especially at this time of year, and our Bags for Brummies campaign is a great way to be able to spread a little cheer during these dark and cold winter months.
“We were blown away by people’s generosity and the incredible donations last year, as well as the number of amazing volunteers that selflessly gave up their time to pack these bags. We’d love to go bigger and better in 2019, and we need everyone’s help to be able to do this.”
With an estimated one in 73 people in Birmingham sleeping on the streets, LoveBrum has drawn up a wish list of essential supplies that includes hats, gloves, scarves, toiletries, sleeping bags and a £10 supermarket voucher*.
The bags are being packed in volunteer sessions from 26th November to 11th December and handed out at SIFA Fireside’s annual Christmas lunch on 13th December.
Last year, LoveBrum collected over 15,000 items and handed out more than 600 bags to those in need.
For further information, please visit: www.lovebrum.org.uk/event/bags-brummies-2019
We’ve now backed this campaign for three consecutive years. Read More About This Here.
Details of community and charity support given by M6toll as part of its Drive for Charity programme can be found at Drive for Charity.
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First Responder group secures M6toll funding
Burntwood and Cannock Chase Community First Responders have received a £1,500 grant from the M6toll’s charitable fund.
The organisation will use the donation to help purchase vital lifesaving equipment for its community-based volunteer Team.
Shaun Mayo, for Burntwood and Cannock Chase Community First Responders (CFR), said: “Our group of dedicated volunteers is committed to caring for our community by donating their free time to respond to local emergency calls, supporting the West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS).
“As one of the busiest CFR schemes in the West Midlands, last year we attended 565 jobs covering 2,102 on duty hours. We are trained by WMAS to respond to different types of emergency 999 calls to provide initial assessment and treatment. We also deliver free CPR and AED awareness sessions in the communities we serve.”
The Burntwood and Cannock Chase group was established nine years ago and needs to continually raise funds to maintain and replace equipment.
M6toll’s monthly Drive for Charity in the Community campaign aims to support community groups and projects across the Midlands as part of a £45,000 initiative.
Maxine Estevez of M6toll, said: “The first responder scheme provides an essential service for local people across the region, so we are proud to support them.
“Our Drive for Charity scheme is all about supporting the towns and villages surrounding the toll road, so we are pleased to have been able to make this contribution.”
Since the M6toll opened 15 years ago, operators Midland Expressway Limited (MEL) have donated more than £1million to local good causes.
This year, M6toll’s online scheme saw £20,000 given to ‘charity of the year’ Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, and dozens of smaller awards made to community projects.
Discover More of our Drive for Charity Work Here.
Back to newsM6toll funding hits the right note for Hospital Radio
The immediate future of a 24-hour hospital radio service has been secured thanks to funding from the M6toll.
Hospital Radio Stafford has been selected by the motorway’s social committee to receive £1,500 through its Drive for Charity in the Community scheme.
The donation will help to upgrade the station’s computer software, enabling the charity to continue to entertain and inform patients across four sites, including Katharine House Hospice.
Natalie Pelling, from Hospital Radio Stafford, said: “The service has a positive impact on patients and volunteers, bringing a sense of community to everyone across the hospital sites. We don’t ever want to let them down by not being able to broadcast their favourite music and chat, so we are incredibly grateful to M6toll for supporting us.
“Our studio software is almost 15 years old and, despite an update in 2015, it is becoming increasingly unreliable. The funding from M6toll will help us to maintain our 24-hour service and focus our other fundraising on further upgrades to the studios.”
Hospital Radio Stafford is a small self-funded local charity which has been broadcasting to hospitals in central Staffordshire since 1972. The service delivers 33 hours of ‘live’ programming, where most of which are request shows. For more information visit www.hrstafford.org.uk.
Since the M6toll opened 15 years ago, operators Midland Expressway Limited (MEL) have donated more than £1million to local good causes.
Maxine Estevez of M6toll, said: “Our Drive for Charity in the Community scheme allows us to assist a wide range of good causes that make a genuine difference to the lives of local people.
“Being in hospital can be very stressful, so helping to pass that time in a pleasant and engaging way is a great service that we are proud to support.”
This year, M6toll’s online scheme saw £20,000 given to ‘charity of the year’ Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, and dozens of smaller awards made to community projects. To find out more visit Here, or feel free to check out another Drive for Charity Article Here.
Back to newsTamworth football team scores with cash donation
A local junior football team will be kicking off the season with a brand-new sponsor after being backed with a £1,500 donation from M6toll.
Amington Emeralds Junior Football Team, based in Tamworth, have been selected as one of M6toll’s monthly Drive for Charity in the Community campaign winners.
The fund aims to support community groups and projects across the Midlands as part of a £45,000 initiative.
The team gives youngsters the opportunity to improve their skills and compete in football tournaments. The funding from M6toll will provide players with new kits and hats and gloves for winter training.
The club’s under-10s coach, Tony Lomas, said: “Amington Juniors provide lots of opportunities to local young people. We work with the players to boost their confidence, encourage relationship building and motivate fitness.
“The volunteers at the club are amazing and have a great connection with the players. Everyone works hard to encourage team spirit and to fund the club’s expenses.
“We are delighted to have received this funding from M6toll. The donation will be very much appreciated by players, parents and the coaches.”
Since the M6toll opened 15 years ago, operators Midland Expressway Limited (MEL) have donated more than £1million to local good causes.
Maxine Estevez of M6toll, said: “We are proud to be supporting Amington Emeralds Junior Football Club, the club is a great benefit to young people in the local community.
“Our Drive for Charity scheme is all about supporting the towns and villages surrounding the toll road, so we are pleased to have been able to make this contribution.”
This year, M6toll’s online scheme saw £20,000 given to ‘charity of the year’ Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, and dozens of smaller awards made to community projects. To find out more visit here.
You can also read another Drive for Charity Article Here to discover more of our work.
Back to newsLichfield school celebrates cookery cash boost
A local special needs school is set to offer cookery lessons to its pupils after being backed with a £1,500 donation from the M6toll.
Rocklands Special Needs School, based in Lichfield, has been selected as one of M6toll’s monthly Drive for Charity in the Community campaign winners.
The fund aims to support community groups and projects across the Midlands as part of a £45,000 initiative.
The school provides enrichment opportunities for 14 children who have complex medical and special educational needs.
The donation will finance the cooking element of a ‘Dare to Dream’ topic, enabling equipment and ingredients to be purchased to allow the children to learn valuable cooking skills. The topic provides a balanced curriculum along with opportunities for enrichment.
The remainder of the funding will be used to pay for A Disney Themed Dining Experience during a visit to Disney Land Paris in December.
Claire Dryhurt, the Flamingo class teacher, said: “I have planned activities around the children’s favourite Disney films, and these encompass things they hope to experience.
“The cooking element of our topic will teach the children how to cook and link to the Disney film, Ratatouille. As part of our wow enrichment moment, we plan to provide a dining experience for parents, carers and VIP’s.
“The funding will help to provide unique opportunities for the children in my class to experience. We are delighted that M6toll have chosen to make our dreams come true.”
Since the M6toll opened 15 years ago, operators Midland Expressway Limited (MEL) have donated more than £1million to local good causes.
Maxine Estevez of M6toll, said: “We are delighted to support Rocklands Special Needs School. We hope that the donation will offer an educational experience which the children will not forget.
“Our Drive for Charity scheme is all about supporting the towns and villages surrounding the toll road, so we are pleased to have been able to make this contribution.”
This year, M6toll’s online scheme saw £20,000 given to ‘charity of the year’ Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, and dozens of smaller awards made to community projects. To find out more visit Drive for Charity.
You Can Read Another Drive for Charity Article Here.
Back to newsToll road confirms continued support for Ride to the Wall
The M6toll has confirmed it will again open its toll barriers free of charge for motorcyclists heading to this year’s Ride To The Wall event.
More than 2,000 bikers are expected to stream through the booths on their way to the National Memorial Arboretum on Saturday 5 October.
The annual charity event attracts bikers from across the UK and overseas, all riding to the Armed Forces Memorial to pay their respects to serving and fallen service men and women and raise funds for the Arboretum.
James Hodson, Director of Motorway Operations at M6toll, said: “This is the twelfth Ride to the Wall, and we are proud to have supported the event every year.
“Once again, we are honoured to provide free passage to the participating riders travelling with the official groups on their inbound journey to the National Memorial Arboretum, enabling them to save more than £6,000 of toll costs.”
Motorcyclists will set off from eleven different starting points across the Midlands, assembling at the 150-acre site for an act of remembrance.
More than 3,000 registered bikes are expected to travel in official groups, accompanied by volunteer marshals, along the M6toll and through T5 (Shenstone) and T6 (Burntwood) plazas between 10am and 11am.
All lanes at both plazas will show a green arrow to allow the Ride to the Wall participants to flow freely through. The event organisers request that riders do not exit at T4 (Weeford) to avoid congestion at the traffic lights.
Martin Dickinson, founder of Ride to the Wall, added: “Last year’s event raised £151,000 for the Arboretum, so we are grateful for the support of M6toll in making this route affordable for all the bikers taking part.
“We have more than 4,000 riders registered for this year’s event and a team of volunteer marshals on hand to ensure a smooth and successful Ride to the Wall 2019.
“The route for riders using the M6toll has changed slightly this year, to prevent delays at Weeford, so we are asking all participants to familiarise themselves with the new routes and follow instructions from our marshals to ensure everyone arrives on time and safely.”
Anyone interested in supporting the Ride to the Wall charity can find out more here.
Sarah Oakden, Head of Marketing at the National Memorial Arboretum, said: “Ride to the Wall is a unique commemorative event and we are continually grateful to its many participants for their support for the Arboretum. As a registered charity we rely on the generosity of the public to ensure we can remain a free to enter site.
“Putting on the event each year requires a huge logistical effort and we’re delighted that M6toll are once again assisting by waiving tolls for registered participants as they travel to pay their respects and raise funds to support our site.”
The National Memorial Arboretum is part of The Royal British Legion, and home to more than 380 memorials, including the Armed Forces Memorial. For more information visit.
The M6toll runs for 27 miles, from Junction 3a on the M6 all the way round the North East of the West Midlands, re-joining the M6 at Junction 11a. The road has an exemplary safety record and is equipped with emergency telephones, 24-hour CCTV monitoring and mobile Incident Support Units.
Details of community and charity support work undertaken by M6toll under its Drive For Charity programme can be found here.
You Can Read Another Drive for Charity Article Here.
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