Doug Wright steps down as Ronald McDonald House chair

McDonald 's franchisee and Chamber board member Doug Wright is to step down from his role as chair of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Birmingham.

Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham offers home-away-from-home accommodation for families of children under care at the nearby Birmingham Children 's Hospital.

During six years at the helm, Mr Wright (pictured) has led the charity through some extraordinary fundraising initiatives - including the annual gala dinner which raises in excess of £250,000.

Mr Wright, who is the owner of Wright Restaurants and a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands, paid tribute to the Birmingham business community for supporting the charity 's fundraising efforts.

He said that, in particular, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce had helped amplify the charity 's profile.

Mr Wright said: “'When I became chairman of this wonderful charity in 2015 it was probably Birmingham 's best kept secret.

“In the last six years it has been wonderful how the city and region have really got behind us at RMHC. I must say a huge thank you to GBCC who were undoubtedly the first organisation that got strongly behind us as we sought to raise funds and improve awareness to drive advocacy.

“Our remarkable success is certainly attributable to all the great people who have used their business success as a force for good.

“I have enjoyed my time as chairman and will always be a great supporter of this special charity both personally and within my business.

“A heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me in the last six years. The absolute highlight of my tenure was raising a third of a million pounds in a single night at our charity dinner in November 2021.

“The work and initiatives of the RMHC board here in Birmingham have been replicated throughout the UK - particularly with the way we pioneered virtual and hybrid events. We are very proud that Birmingham has led the way in how funds were raised throughout the pandemic.

“Please continue to support this wonderful charity as the facility is greatly needed by the families of children being treated at Birmingham Children 's Hospital.

“We will shortly be announcing the new leadership structure of the board and I 'm certain that they will elevate the charity to a new level. ”

Tony Morton, director of income generation for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, said: “Doug has been an incredible supporter of the charity for many years, and we are truly grateful for the commitment and passion he has shown throughout his time as chair of our Birmingham Regional Board.

“Doug leaves a strong legacy, helping raise the profile of the house and the charity both in Birmingham and on a national scale and has been a key driving force of our Birmingham Gala events in particular. Thank you Doug for being a true champion for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK. ”

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Under Doug 's term as chair we 've seen Ronald McDonald House Charity Birmingham 's engagement with, and profile among, local businesses grow exponentially.

“Doug has been a powerful advocate for the charity during his tenure, leading some truly phenomenal fundraising efforts through the annual Ronald McDonald House Charity Ball and beyond.

“Thank you to Doug from all of those in the business community that have connected with the charity thanks to him

“Ronald McDonald House Charity Birmingham it is an incredible organisation making a huge difference to the lives of families during their most challenging times.

“Across the Chamber we 've been proud to play a part in supporting the RMHC Birmingham in growing its regional reach.

“We look forward to meeting the new chair in due course and continuing to help raise awareness of this brilliant institution. ”