Tag: fundraising

Leicester Hospitals Charity is delighted to announce that its flagship corporate fundraising challenge, Boss Break Out, has once again smashed expectations, raising more than £30,500 in support of the Parent Facilities Appeal in just a few hours.

The third annual event, held on Wednesday 12 November was made possible by the venue partner Davidsons Homes, who generously allowed the Charity the use of one of their show home in Thurmaston.

The event saw nine of Leicester’s leading business figures “locked away” and tasked with raising at least £1,000 each to earn the right to leave. Participants stepped out of their comfort zones to leverage their networks, rally their teams, and call in favours to generate vital funds that will help improve accommodation and facilities for parents who need to stay close to their children while they receive hospital care.

The funds raised will directly support the Parent Facilities Appeal, which aims to create comfortable, welcoming spaces for parents who spend long periods in hospital alongside their children. Families like Michelle’s, whose daughter Evie spent 46 days at the Children’s Intensive Care Unit at Leicester’s Hospital, know first-hand how vital it is for parents to remain close by during such difficult times. Her experience highlights the urgent need for better, more private facilities, ensuring parents can stay near their children without added stress or discomfort.

This year’s record-breaking participants were:

  • Minesh Solanki, Franchise Partner and Co-Founder of Commture 365
  • Dav Mahet, Managing Director of TML Solicitors
  • Bhumika Parmar, Founder and Director of BP Legal
  • Dean Cross, Centre Manager of Haymarket Shopping Centre
  • Stacey Wragg, Managing Director of Voyager Immersive
  • Nadia Faki, Partner from Nelsons Solicitors
  • Rajee Pattni, Franchise Owner and Director of Elite Printing, Alita Creative and InXpress Logistics
  • Jake Karia, Founder and CEO of Food Attraction and Jake & Nayns
  • Naynesh Karia, Operations Director from Food Attraction and Jake & Nayns

 

Leicester Hospitals Charity Team with the participants of Boss Break Out 2025
Leicester Hospitals Charity Team with the participants of Boss Break Out 2025

Among the standout fundraisers on the day was Minesh Solanki, Franchise Partner and Co-Founder of Commture 365 (fourth from right), who raised over £16,000, setting a new record for the event.

“I’m overwhelmed by the generosity and support I received,” said Minesh Solanki. “By working closely with my network, contacts, family, and friends, we were able to achieve something truly special. It shows the power of giving when people come together for a cause that matters, and I’m proud to have played a part in helping families stay close to their children during difficult times.”

Sunita Patel, Head of Leicester Hospitals Charity, praised the collective effort:

“Boss Break Out has become a highlight of our fundraising calendar. This year’s event has raised a record-breaking total, and it couldn’t come at a more important time. Families with critically ill children in our hospitals deserve better spaces to rest and stay close to their loved ones. Leicester’s business leaders have stepped up in an extraordinary way, and we’re incredibly grateful for their dedication and generosity. They were supported by an incredibly generous network of friends, family and colleagues, which is a testament to Leicester’s supportive business community.”

For more information on the appeal and to read Michelle’s full story click here.

You can view the amount raised by each participant by clicking here.

L to R Sunita Patel, Head of Charity at Leicester Hospitals Charity, with Dav Mahet and Asiya Parekh, Corporate Fundraising Officer at Leicester Hospitals Charity
L to R Sunita Patel, Head of Charity at Leicester Hospitals Charity, with Dav Mahet and Asiya Parekh, Corporate Fundraising Officer at Leicester Hospitals Charity

On the weekend 80 people from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland took part in Leicester Hospitals Charity’s The BIG Abseil event and have raised a massive £23,000 so far.

The BIG Abseil is one of the charity’s extreme events that involve participants abseiling down the 100ft wall on the Windsor Building at Leicester Royal Infirmary. Participants took part on Saturday and Sunday (1 and 2 Oct) without any preparation and turned up for their chance to step over the ledge all in the name of charity.

Elizabeth Cardwell, Training Facilitator at Leicester’s Hospitals took on the wall on Saturday and said: “Being able to give back to Leicester’s Hospitals is always something I’ve wanted to do, but I thought let’s make it interesting and do something a little challenging, so I signed up for The BIG Abseil.

“It always amazes me the way that patients tackle sometimes challenging personal circumstances. When the opportunity came up to help fundraise to support our local hospitals it was something despite my fears I wanted to do.

“Every day I am in awe of how wonderful our patients are and how in particular children approach and deal with life events such as diagnoses and treatment. One little girl called Freya touched my heart and I thought of her among many others as my heart was pounding stepping off the roof.

“It was one of the toughest things I have ever done but with the support of those around me, and the faces of patients in my mind I did it!

“Huge thanks to the charity team for supporting me and for all those who sponsored me. It is true; anything is possible when it comes to facing your fears!”

Leading the event was Kamlesh Mistry, Community and Events Fundraising Manager for the charity and he said: “We’re so proud of all the participants, they’ve all done well over the two days. Standing at the top of the building looking down is quite daunting and then taking that first step to come down can be very scary.

“The support for this event has been overwhelming. All those who took part got to choose which area of the hospital will benefit from the money they’ve raised, and they should be proud of what they’ve achieved. Well done everyone.”

If you would like to fundraise by taking part in up-and-coming events or by organising your own event for Leicester Hospitals Charity, get in touch with Kamlesh and his team on 0116 258 8709 or visit our www.LHCharity.org.uk

A 101-year-old Leicester woman will be the oldest person in England to host a NHS Big Tea party to celebrate 73 years of the National Health Service today.

Gladys Taylor, 101 from Anstey, was the honorary host of an NHS Big Tea held at George Hythe House Residential Home in Leicester to celebrate the NHS’s official birthday.

Raising money for NHS Charities Together – specifically for Leicester Hospitals Charity – NHS Big Tea events are being held across the UK today as people show their appreciation for the health service and the staff who work within it.

Natasha Cunningham, care home manager at George Hythe House, says residents have been looking forward to the event ever since a member of staff suggested that the home should hold one.

All of our residents and staff here at George Hythe House have been excited about our Big Tea today to show our appreciation for the NHS,” says Natasha.

“As our oldest resident, Gladys is especially appreciative for the NHS and particularly our local hospitals here in Leicester after she spent ten days in hospital being treated for covid and pneumonia last year.

“It’s been such a tough time for our residents and our staff with lockdown restrictions meaning that our residents have been unable to have visits from their families and loved ones and even unable to socialise with each other. So being able to come together to throw a tea party like this to say thank you to the NHS is something that means the world to all of our residents here at the House.”

Leicester Hospitals Charity’s Head of Fundraising, Claire Campbell, thanked the residents and staff of George Hythe House for their show of support.

“We’re deeply thankful to everyone at George Hythe House for holding a Big Tea to raise money for our charity,” says Claire. “We are especially proud to boast the oldest NHS Big Tea host in the nation with the lovely Gladys still enjoying a celebratory cuppa at 101-years-young!

“The NHS birthday is always a special time for us at Leicester Hospitals Charity and we massively appreciate everyone at the House and across Leicestershire & Rutland who’ll be raising a mug in gratitude to our amazing hospital staff who have worked so hard over the last 18 months on the front line.”

George Hythe House care operators Midlands Care have pledged to match donations to Leicester Hospitals Charity if they reach £250.

To donate to the House’s fundraising efforts, visit their fundraising page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GeorgeHytheHouse

An inspiring new initiative from Pukaar News to show support and solidarity for keyworkers and those who affected by Covid-19 is helping to raise money for our Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal.

From 23 March – the first anniversary of national lockdown – you can pick up a beautiful ‘Always in our Thoughts’ badge with all proceeds shared between our appeal and fellow charity, Care Of Police Survivors (COPS).

Romail Gulzar, founder of Pukaar Group and the Always in our Thoughts campaign, says he wanted to pay tribute to all those who have fought to help those in need during the pandemic.

“Covid-19 has affected millions of people worldwide,” says Romail. The UK experienced a huge impact which has been met with an incredible effort by our key workers.

“This has put people under huge stress. Many have lost their lives, many are suffering with the long-term effects of the virus, and many have been left alone after their loved ones were taken from them.

“People have lost jobs or a portion of their income after being furloughed. Yet they have often staunchly continued to work to help others – despite the risks to their own health and wellbeing.

“I wanted to find some way to encourage all of us to repay the kindness of these workers. The Always In Our Thoughts campaign will provide donations to charities that support those in need during this crucial period.”

Lord Lieutenant Mike Kapur OBE, patron of Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal says he is thrilled that the Always in Our Thoughts campaign has chosen to support the Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal.

“The difference this support will make to the lives of local children over the next five years will be felt by the communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for a long time to come,” says Mr Kapur.

“Despite the appalling impact Covid-19 has had, and will continue to have on many peoples’ lives, the development of the East Midlands first ever dedicated children’s hospital, here in Leicester, is such an optimistic project to get behind. The NHS has never been more in the forefront of all our minds and I look forward to wearing my flower with pride.”

Anyone who wants to get their own badge can do so online at www.alwaysinourthoughts.com

Three-time World Snooker Champion Mark Selby has potted a £4,500 boost for Leicester Hospitals Charity’s efforts to support staff on Covid wards at Leicester’s Hospitals after organising a star-studded charity raffle.

The Leicester-based snooker champion teamed up with brother-in-law and fellow professional player Gareth Potts to raise money in support of his local hospitals facing the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic. The unique raffle, featured prizes gifted by some of sport’s biggest names – including Jamie Vardy, Tyson Fury and golfer Andy Sullivan –raised £4,500 for Leicester Hospitals Charity’s Covid-19 Response Fund which provides additional resources for staff at Leicester’s Hospitals on the front lines against the coronavirus.

The 2014, 2016 and 2017 world champion says he and Gareth Potts were inspired to bring the cue sports community together to support their local hospitals after seeing the powerful images of NHS staff fighting the full effects of the pandemic.

“Watching the news everyday like everyone else, seeing the shots of the hospital wards and the staff wearing all their protective equipment, putting themselves at risk on the front lines and other fundraisers like Captain Sir Tom Moore, I said to Gareth ‘there’s no reason why we couldn’t do something to help’,” says Selby.

“We got our heads together and decided to something. We went through our phonebooks and spoke to anyone we could think of – celebrities, sporting icons – to try and get some signed memorabilia and items from them for a charity raffle.”

The response to the call for support went far beyond what the pair expected, says Selby.

“We got some fantastic prizes. We got a signed picture from the Kasabian boys. Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy gave us a pair of signed football boots. Artist Damien Hurst – who’s a big snooker fan – donated a book of hand-drawn artwork, which is something he never, ever does. So we thought it was the best way we could raise as much money as possible.”

The resulting charity raffle saw hundreds of cue sport fans enter for a chance to one of these desirable pieces of sporting memorabilia. “In the end we raised £4,300, which is definitely a lot better than nothing,” says Selby.

“The cue sports community is very tightknit. With all the touring, we’re kind of like a family. It was a great chance for us to do something positive ourselves and give something back to the hospitals for everything they do.”

The funds raised are being used to help support staff treating patients for Covid-19 across all three of Leicester’s Hospitals, specifically to help stock wellbeing rooms – temporary break areas where staff can escape to gather themselves and have a moment of respite from the pressures of working on the Covid wards.

“I can imagine it can be really stressful for the staff, so having the chance to escape somewhere, make a cup of coffee or whatever and take some time away before they have to go back to the front lines might really help before they have to face it again,” explains Selby.

“If they don’t have that kind of space, by the time they’ve walked down to the canteen or wherever to get a coffee, their break is over by the time they get back and they haven’t even had that chance to regroup. So any little bit of money we can give to support them and put something towards helping the hospital staff like that and try and make their challenges that little bit easier is all positive.”

As one of Leicester’s most successful sports personalities, Selby is grateful to everyone who supported their fundraising and urges everyone to continue to be sensible and stay safe.

“I’d like to thank everyone who donated the prizes and everyone who entered and who donated money towards this fantastic cause,” he says.

“I’d urge everyone to look at what’s going on and see what the people in the NHS are putting themselves through to try and save lives and just take it onboard that this is serious. People need to stay in, stay safe and protect each other as much as possible.”

Leicester Hospitals Charity’s Head of Fundraising, Claire Campbell, thanks everyone involved for the achievement.

“On behalf of all our staff on the front lines right now, I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to Mark and Gareth, the hundreds who entered into the raffle and donated and to all the sporting icons who donated items towards it,” says Claire.

“It means so much to us to have the support of Leicester’s only major sporting world champions. It can’t be overstated how much it means to the staff who are continue to fight against the effects of this awful pandemic, day in, day out, almost a year later.”

Anyone wanting to support the COVID-19 Response Fund can donate online at LHCharity.org.uk.

For more information or for any enquiries about how to help the charity’s efforts and hospital staff, email uhl-tr.lhcharitymailbox@nhs.net or call 0116 258 8709.

When 19-year-old university student Owen Rodbard heard that his dad, Gary, thought he had contracted Covid-19, he could not have imagined that just over two weeks later, his father would be gone forever.

Gary Rodbard, 57 from Leicester, a much-loved former teacher, is sadly just one of the over 80,000 fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, friends and neighbours whose lives we have lost to the coronavirus pandemic.

With NHS hospitals across the nation bracing themselves for their most challenging weeks yet, Owen is paying tribute to his dad and to the Leicester’s Hospitals staff who fought so hard to save his life by taking on a 150km run over the next 30 days to raise money for Leicester Hospitals Charity’s Covid-19 Response Fund.

“Dad was a person full of humour,” says Owen. “He always had stories to tell. When he was in a room, he’d fill it with laughter. He was very kind-hearted.”

Owen describes how rapidly his dad’s condition deteriorated once it became clear Gary had contracted the Covid-19 virus in March 2020. “I was just about to leave university and come back home,” explains Owen. “My dad called me and said “I think I’ve got it”.

“He started reporting symptoms – he told me he was sweating through the night and couldn’t sleep. The next day, he texted me to say he’d been taken to hospital as a precaution. He was only there for about two hours and they decided to take him to Glenfield Hospital and he was put onto a ventilator. Not long after, he was placed into a medically-induced coma. That was the last time I ever spoke to him.” Gary was treated at Glenfield Hospital for 18 days before his condition suddenly declined, resulting in his death on April 12.

“It was a huge shock,” says Owen. “There isn’t anything that could’ve prepared me for it. You never expect to lose your dad at 19. It leaves a hole. It’s like the one person you want to talk to and to be there is no longer there.”

Despite the tragedy of losing his father, Owen has nothing but praise for the Leicester’s Hospital staff who did what they could to try and save his dad’s life.

“I can’t commend the staff enough,” Owen says. “They were under so much pressure. I remember thinking that I couldn’t imagine how hard it must be for those people in the hospital dealing with that day in, day out. It’s incredible.”

As an athletic young man, Owen decided he wanted to do something to support the hospitals that had helped his dad to try and fight this virus. Owen’s lacing up his running shoes to virtually run 150 kilometres over 30 days to help raise money for Leicester Hospitals Charity, starting today, January 12.

“My dad was always a keen runner,” explains Owen. “I’ve always been sporty myself, so it’s always been in the back of my mind about following in his footsteps.

“It’s that New Year thing where you set yourself some targets. I thought if I could raise a bit of money and help anyone who was in my dad’s situation or any of the staff who helped him or others, it would make me very proud.”

Owen has been inundated with support. Before he has even taken his first step, Owen has already raised over £1,000 for the Covid-19 Response Fund.

“I originally only set the target at £250!,” he laughs. “I never thought I’d get this far – it’s crazy. There’s so many people who’ve been so, so generous.”

Leicester Hospitals Charity has been helping to support all three of Leicester’s Hospitals since the first wave of the pandemic. The money raised has helped provide support for patients and staff, including wellbeing kits and mental health resources, additional equipment for wards and rest areas for staff to recuperate.

Owen urges everyone to follow all the guidelines to help prevent spreading the deadly virus and prevent others from losing loved ones. “I’ve seen what happens,” says Owen. “This virus is heart-breaking for so many people. Just be considerate of others.”

Anyone wanting to support Owen during his fundraising challenge can donate to his JustGiving page at justgiving.com/fundraising/Owen-Rodbard. To find out more about Leicester Hospitals Charity’s Covid-19 Response Fund, visit LHCharity.org.uk.

An appeal to give Leicester and the East Midlands its first dedicated children’s hospital has been boosted by a £12,500 donation from a Leicester based knitwear manufacturer.

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, Mars Knitwear was quick to respond to the growing demand for protective, comfortable, eco-friendly face masks and through a seamless manufacturing process, they developed high quality, anti-microbial, re-usable face masks to be sold on-line. The anti-bacterial and washable masks are made in the UK using natural materials, available in 40 different colour combinations.

After hearing about the Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal to create a dedicated Children’s Hospital on the site of the Leicester Royal Infirmary, Mars Knitwear agreed to pledge 10% of all on-line mask sales to the Appeal and this week presented Leicester Hospitals Charity with a cheque for £12,500.

Technical Director Keith Cummings says the company saw an opportunity to adapt their business in the new climate and at the same time support their local community.

“With the impact of the pandemic, we started working on the masks about two or three weeks before anyone even asked for them,” explains Keith. “We saw there would be a need for them and it just took off from there. A lot of work went into designing them but we are very pleased with the result. Each mask has a soft, anti-bacterial fibre in the lining and we also paid special attention to the tension of the straps to make them as comfortable as possible around the ears so they don’t pull.”

Managing Director Said Saleh said the company wanted to pledge a percentage of the sales of the masks to a cause that they felt lay at the core of their community.

“We felt we needed to give something back to the hospitals” says Said. “We saw that there was a tremendous amount of donations going towards COVID relief but there was a new children’s hospital being built on our doorstep which was also in urgent need of our help. Mars Knitwear has been trading in Leicester for over 30 years so we wanted to support our local hospital.

“We believe charity begins at home. Our children, our grandchildren and even our great-grandchildren will, at some point in their lives, use this state-of-the-art children’s hospital and it is something we should all be proud of. I believe every local business should support this project in whatever they can.”

Louise Jones, Major Giving Manager at Leicester Hospitals Charity thanked the team at Mars Knitwear for their support of the Appeal. “We’re so grateful to Said, Keith and everyone at Mars Knitwear for showing their support for the Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal at this time” says Louise.

“This is a wonderful example of how a local business is adapting to the challenges we are all facing in light of the pandemic but choosing to support their community too. On behalf of everyone at the charity and all those involved in working so hard to give our city the state-of-the-art children’s hospital it deserves, we’d like to thank Mars Knitwear and everyone who has contributed to this donation by purchasing a mask.”

Masks can be ordered directly from Mars Knitwear online at www.MarsKnitwear.com with 10% of all purchases going to the Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal.

The £7.5m Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal will help support the first phase of creating a new, dedicated Children’s Hospital at the Leicester Royal Infirmary where all children’s services will be together under one roof. If you want to contribute to our Appeal for a dedicated children’s hospital in Leicester please visit DoThemProud.com to donate, sign up as a supporter or learn more about the Appeal, or you can follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/DoThemProud and help spread the word on social media using #DoThemProud.

As a proud Beaver Scout, 7-year-old Charlie Craven has a strong sense of looking out for others in need.

When life changed for his family as the nation went into lockdown, Charlie took an opportunity to do something positive and helped raise £2,000 for good causes, including the Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal, by running a full marathon distance in just two weeks.

His fantastic achievement has attracted the attention of Sir Mo Farah, a congratulatory message from Paula Radcliffe, comedian Keith Lemon and Leicestershire Cricket coach Paul Nixon.

Charlie’s dad, Matthew, explains how he was inspired by the national outpouring of support for the NHS and key workers as the coronavirus pandemic peaked.

“Since lockdown, we let Charlie stay up for the clapping on Thursday nights and I think that inspired him to want to do something to help,” says Matthew.

“The Beavers have been great throughout lockdown and made all the kids set themselves a personal challenge and we came up with a running challenge for him. We started off running around where we live to help build up how long he could run for without stopping.

After a week, he’d already achieved all his targets. So his mum said, half-jokingly, ‘maybe you could run a marathon?’. And Charlie said ‘okay’. We set him a goal to run a marathon distance over three weeks, but he got really into it. He ran a lot further than we thought and after the first week, he’d already run over half of his marathon. So we revised his target to do it over two weeks instead.”

Despite only being a challenge for his Beavers group, Charlie’s Great-Grandmother offered to sponsor him for running the marathon. The family set up a JustGiving page with a target of £300, but were stunned when Charlie hit that within just 24 hours.

“It’s amazing,” says Matthew.

“To think it started off as just a little thing for Beavers and getting a little bit of sponsorship from friends and family, to think that he’s raised over £2,000… I can’t believe it.”

Matthew set up Charlie with a dedicated Twitter account to try and spread the word of his efforts. Videos and photos of his running were liked by British athletic legend Sir Mo Farah, comedian Keith Lemon, Leicestershire Cricket coach Paul Nixon and even a personal message of congratulations from former marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe.

Charlie has decided to share the money he’s raised between the Beavers and our Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal.

“We wanted to give it to something local to Leicester, rather than the national NHS,” explains Matthew.

“We spoke with Leicester Hospitals Charity about all the different places the money could go and Charlie decided he wanted it to go to the Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal.

“It’s been an adventure for him. It’s a big achievement, something really positive that we can look back on through all of this when it’s been not a very nice situation at all.

“I’m very proud. Every time he went out for a run, even on the days when his feet were hurting, he never stopped at all. He always made it home. So I’m proud of him for how he always kept going too.”

Anyone wanting to contribute towards making the Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal a success can visit DoThemProud.com to donate, sign up as a supporter or learn more about the appeal, or can follow the appeal on Facebook at FB.me/DoThemProud and help spread the word on social media using #DoThemProud.

Sign up for our newsletter

Get the latest news, events and offers

This will close in 0 seconds