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Date of release: 6th December 2024
Olly Murs night to boost Children’s Ward
A VIP night to see Olly Murs in concert is among the highlights of a triple pre-Christmas £2,500 fundraiser for new equipment for the Children’s Ward in Wolverhampton.
Friends Mark Hands, Stephen Cooper and Scott Hales organise an annual fundraiser, but this year’s took on extra significance as either they or those close to them have needed healthcare in recent years.
They have organised three events at The Rainbow pub in Coven for the Children’s Ward at New Cross Hospital – a pool night, a darts evening and a charity quiz, sponsored by ARMD.
And they have pulled out all the stops with a host of exciting prizes up for grabs through an auction and raffle.
VIP tickets to see ‘Troublemaker’ singer Murs, 40, have been kindly donated by the pop star’s backing vocalist Jonny, from Codsall wine bar Love & Liquor.
Other notable items are framed Wolves shirts signed by players Matheus Cunha and Jean-Ricard Bellegarde, donated by Stephen Cooper of C & S Home and Garden Maintenance, plus jewellery and meal vouchers.
The ward has a wishlist of items for which the fundraiser will make a huge difference.
“Last year we raised money for a little boy with cancer and the previous year a little girl who required treatment in America,” said insurance director and entrepreneur, Mark, 53, from Heath Hayes.
“This time one of my friend’s daughters was recently in the Children’s Ward at New Cross and he could see the televisions and other items were in need of replacement.
“Stephen and I set about raising funds to improve the environment for the children being treated on the ward.
“New Cross is close to my heart having been diagnosed with a rare blood condition myself in 2022.
“The care I’ve received has been tremendous and saved my life.”
The darts competition is on Monday, 16 December. Two days later it’s the pool evening, both starting at 6pm.
Both are £2 entry to include food, with the winner’s prize a gallon beer and a trophy.
The quiz is on Thursday, 19 December at 7.30pm. For £5 a head, participants receive food, while there’s a trophy and a £40 bar voucher for the winning team. For more information or enter the quiz, please visit https://fb.me/e/477sEUkWB
Mr Fish Chip Shop Van, George and Jenson, Rudge Heath have made a £150 donation, and Elle’s Angels have pledged £100 through Liz Hague, Mand Leah and Annette.
Kirsty Lewis, Senior Matron for Children’s Services, said: “The efforts of Mark and his friends will provide a massive boost to the children for what is a challenging time for them.”
Amanda Winwood, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Charity Development Manager, said: “Mark and his friends have done a great job organising so many great prizes, and our young patients are going to love the new toys and equipment.”
Donations are still welcome –send Mark a direct message on Facebook.