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Hundreds gather across Birmingham to celebrate a new era

On 1st October John Taylor Hospice become the UK’s first Hospice to become a Social Enterprise.  To celebrate this new era over two hundred people united at Walk for Change in Erdington and pledged over £7,500 in donations and a flashmob dance drew an applauding crowd outside the Bullring in Birmingham City Centre.

Walk for Change brought together both young and old for a 3.5mile, family friendly walk for all the community, starting and finishing at Ramada Hotel, Sutton Coldfield.

A young walker’s inspirational story inspired one and all. Six-year-old Abigail Cameron from Bromford Crescent, Erdington, raised £120 by asking her friends at school for their help; “I wanted to help the people who helped Pattie.”

Pat, Abigail’s great aunt, was cared for at John Taylor Hospice up until she tragically died on Boxing Day 2009. Pat’s twin daughters Jenny and Diane were full of praise for the care their mum received:

“John Taylor Hospice cared for our Mum for five days and the staff went the extra mile for the whole family too. John Taylor Hospice is so important to us.” said Jenny. Abigail’s cousin Sophie, who also raised £120, summed it up perfectly: “A special Hospice for a special Nanny.”

Meanwhile at 2pm fifteen volunteer dancers, including hospice staff, exploded into dance and wowed a city centre crowd. John Taylor Hospice CEO Kate Phipps, after seeing the flashmob for the first time said:

“The dancers made such an impact! John Taylor Hospice’s teams provide expert care to 700 people each week. The amazing response to both events shows how important the service we provide is to the people of Birmingham. It’s humbling.”

See the pictures!

You can see the pictures from the event on our facebook page - visit www.facebook.com/jthospice

Join in!

To get involved with fundraising for John Taylor Hospice call Sarah Jayne Shelton at 0121 465 2018 or sign up for more information at www.johntaylorhospice.org.uk