M6toll support Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer Charity
The M6toll are proud to announce their support of ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ with a donation of £1,000 to support ladies who have undergone a mastectomy at city road hospital.
The Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer charity found that ladies from ethnic backgrounds were being supplied a white prosthesis following a mastectomy which is heartbreaking therefore they have sourced a seamstress to make 100 softies in different shades to boost the confidence of these ladies until the right skin tone colour prosthesis can be obtained which the M6toll will be supporting with £1,000.
Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer (LFBC) was established in 2000 by Veronica Kumeta and the late Sue Macmaster, after their friend Carol Knaggs was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
Carol sadly lost her battle with cancer, as did Sue when she was later diagnosed with the disease. But their legacy lives on through the outreach, fundraising and community care provided by LFBC. The charity that was set up to support Carol and Sue, has now supported hundreds of women in their loving memory, for more than two decades. Veronica now works with an amazing team of support workers and volunteers with a core aim of raising the importance of early detection, whilst also providing community support and raising funds for the fight against breast cancer. Since 2000, Ladies Fight Breast Cancer has raised more than £1.5 million to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Trust’s Cancer Unit, which has helped raised fund leading edge medical equipment and create a ‘centre of excellence’.
Julia Williams; of LFBC said: “We are delighted that our founder Veronica Kumeta has now seen her idea after 5 years of hard work now become a reality in donating these coloured softies to City Hospital in memory of Tanya who brought this to her attention. We hope this initiative will be rolled out to other hospitals in the Midlands area in 2024.”
Jo Brett; External Communications Assistant added: “We are extremely proud to be supporting this important initiative during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer charity do amazing work within the local community, we have worked with the team previously on their Hug in a Bag initiative and have seen first-hand the positive impact of their hard work and commitment. ”
For more information about LFBC can be found here visit:
Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer – Offering Cancer Support West Midlands (lfbc.org.uk)
The M6toll’s donation forms part of a wider initiative to support local schools and community projects. The M6toll is always on the lookout for local charities and community projects to support. To register your charity or community project with the M6toll for consideration to receive fundraising or practical (volunteering) support now or in the future visit www.m6toll.co.uk for further information or email d4c@m6toll.co.uk
Back to newsM6toll confirms continued support for Ride to the Wall
Midland Expressway Limited, operators of the M6toll, are gearing up for a significant milestone this December as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. Looking ahead, they have exciting plans for the coming year. In the spirit of their commitment to community and support for an honourable cause, Midland Expressway Limited is pleased to announce their continued tradition of offering free passage to motorcyclists attending this year’s Ride to the Wall event.
On Saturday, October 7th, approximately 2,000 bikers are anticipated to pass through the toll booths en route to the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas. This annual charity event draws bikers from all corners of the UK and abroad, uniting in a journey to the Armed Forces Memorial to honour and remember our serving and fallen service men and women while raising vital funds for the Arboretum.
James Hodson, Chief Operating Officer at M6toll, expressed their pride in supporting Ride to the Wall for a remarkable 15 years. He stated, “We’re honoured to provide complimentary passage to the riders traveling with the official groups on their way to the National Memorial Arboretum, ensuring around 2,000 bikers pass through smoothly and safely.”
The riders will commence their journey from eleven distinct starting points across the Midlands, converging at the expansive 150-acre site for a poignant act of remembrance. Registered riders are expected to travel in official groups, accompanied by dedicated volunteer marshals, traversing the M6toll through T5 (Shenstone) and T6 (Burntwood) plazas between 10 am and 11 am.
To facilitate a smooth passage, the wide load lanes (far left lanes) at both plazas will be marked with a green arrow, ensuring the Ride to the Wall participants can flow through freely. In order to minimize congestion at the traffic lights, event organizers kindly request that riders refrain from exiting at T4 (Weeford).
Martin Dickinson, founder of Ride to the Wall, added: “Once again Midland Express Limited are very kindly offering free passage to Motorcyclists attending Ride to the Wall. The gesture not only saves riders rummaging through rain drenched clothing normally to find change but allows for a free flowing passage meaning any congestion to the local community is kept to a minimum. Without the support of the M6 Toll the journey to the Arboretum would be far more stressful at I time when we all come together to remember our fallen.”
Anyone interested in supporting the Ride to the Wall charity can find out more here.
Details of community and charity support work undertaken by M6toll under its Drive For Charity programme can be found here: Drive for Charity – M6toll
Back to newsM6toll helps local charity celebrate 10 year milestone
The M6toll is proud to announce its support for Simon’s Heroes children’s charity with a donation of £1,000 to commemorate its 10-year anniversary, which funded a special celebration for its beneficiaries and their families.
Simon’s Heroes, a Tamworth-based charity run by dedicated volunteers, was founded in 2013 and strives to enhance the lives of local children in need. To date, it has processed over 90 grants, which has included the purchase of medical and mobility equipment, treatments and therapies, respite breaks for families who spend 24/7 supporting their children and home improvements for those who have little time for anything else outside of caring. It has been instrumental in turning dreams into reality, funding special treats and experiences for children and their families coping with debilitating illnesses.
Today Simon’s Heroes has over 50 members who are all dedicated to the cause. The charity has raised £1000’s from sponsored events but also generates revenue through other mediums such as charity fundraisers and corporate sponsorship.
The celebration highlighted its 10-year milestone and provided a real treat for its guests. The children were able to enjoy a range of inflatables, meet Peppa Pig and enjoy being entertained by local clown, Bibbledy Bob. There was also face painting, soft play and cake!
Emma Croft, mum of charity beneficiary Indiana said: “It was great to meet all of the fantastic volunteers today, as well as seeing the other families and children all having fun. We always appreciate events like this, so that our son can play and enjoy himself safely and without judgement. Not only that, but it’s great to meet other like-minded parents, who we can relate to. Thank you to Simon’s Heroes for the wonderful work that you do. I hope you know how much we appreciate it!”
Charlotte Abbott; Chairman at Simon’s Heroes said: “What a wonderful day we all had celebrating our milestone. I feel very proud of what we have achieved over that time and how the charity is continuing to evolve and make a difference. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our members, supporters and companies, like the M6toll, whose contributions make it all possible. We were thrilled to receive such a generous contribution towards our event from them, and I’d like to extend my appreciation, on behalf of all of our Heroes – beneficiaries and members – you helped deliver a truly memorable day, which meant so much to everyone involved.”
Karen Larkin; HR Business Partner at the M6toll added: “I am so pleased we have been able to support Simon’s Heroes for their 10th Anniversary celebrations. This means a lot to them, the beneficiaries and me as a member of the charity. Making a difference to the families who endure challenging circumstances is really rewarding and making a different to the local community”.
The M6toll’s donation forms part of a wider initiative to support local schools and community projects. The M6toll is always on the lookout for local charities and community projects to support. To register your charity or community project with the M6toll for consideration to receive fundraising or practical (volunteering) support now or in the future visit www.m6toll.co.uk for further information or email d4c@m6toll.co.uk
Back to newsM6toll gets local project on the right track
The M6toll are proud to announce their support of Beaudesert Outdoor Activity Centre with a donation of £800 to provide two new pedal karts for their pedal kart track providing exciting activities and opportunities for their young visitors.
Beaudesert Outdoor Activity Centre is located on the edge of Cannock Chase, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers a truly unique experience for schools and youth groups. Our 120 acres of mixed woodland and parkland offer fantastic opportunities for everyone to learn and develop outdoors.
The funding provided by the M6toll will support the centre as they receive more demand for group visits from young people wishing to experience activities in the outdoors. The Covid pandemic hit the activity centre hard reducing their reserves down to one month and so donations such as this kindly provided by the M6toll will allow the centre to offer more exciting activities to their young visitors.
Beaudesert Chairman, Jeremy Cotton DL said: ““I would like to give a big thank you to M6toll, for again supporting Beaudesert Outdoor Activity Centre. Covid hit us hard, and this grant helps us continue to provide exciting outdoor adventure to our visiting young people. It’s great to see the smiles on young peoples’ faces as they enjoy their adventures. Thanks again for helping make this possible.”
MEL CSR Project Coordinator added: “The benefits of learning outdoors are endless for young people and are proven to improve health and wellbeing. We have supported Beaudesert many times over the last few years and are always so impressed with their offering for young people in our local community, we hope the new karts will be of benefit for many years to come”.
Beaudesert Chairman, Jeremy Cotton DL said: ““I would like to give a big thank you to M6toll, for again supporting Beaudesert Outdoor Activity Centre. Covid hit us hard, and this grant helps us continue to provide exciting outdoor adventure to our visiting young people. It’s great to see the smiles on young peoples’ faces as they enjoy their adventures. Thanks again for helping make this possible.”
MEL CSR Project Coordinator added: “The benefits of learning outdoors are endless for young people and are proven to improve health and wellbeing. We have supported Beaudesert many times over the last few years and are always so impressed with their offering for young people in our local community, we hope the new karts will be of benefit for many years to come”.
Back to newsBuilding firm lays the foundations for recovery
Firm cements local reputation
Vogue Build is a Tamworth-based building firm specialising in new builds and extensions. It employs six staff. With a well-respected reputation, Vogue Build’s general customer base is within a 20-25-mile radius but they often use the M6toll for projects outside of their catchment area.
Building their way back
During lockdown, the company continued to operate, albeit with a reduced team and working on selected jobs at Covid-19 secure sites. Now they’re getting back to full operational capacity and literally building their way out of lockdown and into recovery.
Safe, steady and secure
Founder and Director, Andy Pendrey said: “When lockdown was first announced, it was a massive shock. Our immediate thoughts were ‘…how will this affect us as a team and the work we have planned?’ We gathered everyone together to talk things through. “Safety and reassurance was paramount.
Half the team said they were uncomfortable about working. It was a decision we totally respected and so they agreed to go on furlough leave. “We were already working on an unoccupied property so we introduced a number of Covid-19 secure measures to ensure we could work safely. “As a building firm we use a lot of PPE such as masks and gloves, so we had a good supply.
Each of our vans had sanitiser products, and vehicles were thoroughly cleaned every day. “The biggest issue was the lack of building materials. Many builder’s merchants were shut during the early weeks, and when they did re-open their reduced services caused delays. “The availability of materials is improving as we come out of lockdown but the roads are getting busier again.
M6 Toll preferred route on the road to recovery
“With roads becoming busier we’re delighted to have the option of the M6toll. It can make a huge difference on the time spent travelling to and from sites.
“The M6toll often saves us half-an-hour or an hour each way and that means we can start jobs earlier and finish later. Time is money and being stuck in traffic costs us financially and personally.
It’s good to arrive on time, feeling fresh and ready for every job. “Since things have started to open up, we’re seeing a gradual recovery taking place.
Our team is now back at full strength and we’re working through the backlog of jobs. “It’s important for everybody get back up and running again. Not just in our industry. Business across the region needs to recover as it will have a positive effect for everyone. The Let’s Get The Midlands Moving campaign is a great idea and we’ll happy to be backing it all the way.”
Back to news
M6toll helps local charity celebrate 10 year milestone
The M6toll is proud to announce its support for Simon’s Heroes children’s charity with a donation of £1,000 to commemorate its 10-year anniversary, which funded a special celebration for its beneficiaries and their families.
Simon’s Heroes, a Tamworth-based charity run by dedicated volunteers, was founded in 2013 and strives to enhance the lives of local children in need. To date, it has processed over 90 grants, which has included the purchase of medical and mobility equipment, treatments and therapies, respite breaks for families who spend 24/7 supporting their children and home improvements for those who have little time for anything else outside of caring. It has been instrumental in turning dreams into reality, funding special treats and experiences for children and their families coping with debilitating illnesses.
Today Simon’s Heroes has over 50 members who are all dedicated to the cause. The charity has raised £1000’s from sponsored events but also generates revenue through other mediums such as charity fundraisers and corporate sponsorship.
The celebration highlighted its 10-year milestone and provided a real treat for its guests. The children were able to enjoy a range of inflatables, meet Peppa Pig and enjoy being entertained by local clown, Bibbledy Bob. There was also face painting, soft play and cake!
Emma Croft, mum of charity beneficiary Indiana said: “It was great to meet all of the fantastic volunteers today, as well as seeing the other families and children all having fun. We always appreciate events like this, so that our son can play and enjoy himself safely and without judgement. Not only that, but it’s great to meet other like-minded parents, who we can relate to. Thank you to Simon’s Heroes for the wonderful work that you do. I hope you know how much we appreciate it!”
Charlotte Abbott; Chairman at Simon’s Heroes said: “What a wonderful day we all had celebrating our milestone. I feel very proud of what we have achieved over that time and how the charity is continuing to evolve and make a difference. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our members, supporters and companies, like the M6toll, whose contributions make it all possible. We were thrilled to receive such a generous contribution towards our event from them, and I’d like to extend my appreciation, on behalf of all of our Heroes – beneficiaries and members – you helped deliver a truly memorable day, which meant so much to everyone involved.”
Karen Larkin; HR Business Partner at the M6toll added: “I am so pleased we have been able to support Simon’s Heroes for their 10th Anniversary celebrations. This means a lot to them, the beneficiaries and me as a member of the charity. Making a difference to the families who endure challenging circumstances is really rewarding and making a different to the local community”.
Tamworth 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.”
Back to newsCommunity fund boost for sensory garden
A recreational charity for people with special and additional needs has received a £1,500 cash boost to improve a sensory garden.
SNAP (Special Needs Adventure Playground) in Cannock was selected as the M6toll’s first Drive for Charity in the Community winner.
The charity fund aims to support community groups and projects across the Midlands as part of a £45,000 initiative.
Samantha Scrimshaw, Life Skills worker at SNAP, said: “We provide indoor and outdoor activity sessions for both adults and children with special needs.
“Our playground has lots of equipment to improv
e gross motor skills, such as climbing frames, but the facilities to stimulate the senses of our visitors need some improvement. We aim to purchase wind chimes, water play and sensory plants to help them to understand their emotions and develop sensory processing, supporting their social interaction and communications skills.
“We are so grateful to M6toll for this fantastic donation, which will make a huge difference to the project.”
The Pye Green Road facility provides a wide range of activities to support people with special needs and their families, from autism-friendly hairdressing and Makaton, to messy play and Lego sessions.
Since the M6toll opened 15
years ago, operators Midland Expressway Limited (MEL) have donated more than £1million to local good causes.
This year, an online scheme will see £20,000 given to one ‘charity of the year’, and dozens of smaller awards made to community projects.
Andy Cliffe, chief executive of M6toll, said: “Our commitment to the welfare of our local community doesn’t end when people drive through the toll booths. We care about the towns and villages surrounding the motorway and our Drive For Charity scheme is designed to support them.
“A monthly cash fund of up to £1,500 is available for charities, schools, sports clubs or voluntary organisations helping to enhance the lives of local people.”
In total, £43,000 will be distributed through the scheme, with a further £2,000 set aside for charity appeals suggested by M6toll staff.
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