Leading city figures throw support behind hospice

Birmingham Hospice held a dinner with some of the city's most prominent figures, with the aim of drawing more attention to its work, celebrating its heritage in the city, and highlighting the funding challenges currently faced by the sector. 

Dining for Dignity took place on Tuesday ,17 September, and was attended by guests including Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands Anita Bhalla OBE, High Sheriff of the West Midlands Doug Wright MBE, mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker, Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton and president of the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce Mark Smith, together with representatives of the media including Hits Radio and ITV Central.  

The evening was hosted by hospice chair of Trustees Dawn Ward CBE DL and compered by hospice Patron and former ITV Central news presenter Llewela Bailey. 

It also featured talks by the hospice’s Head of Care Services Kerry Millard and Income Generation Director Lucy Watkins.  

There was time for the audience to network and ask questions, as they learned more about the range of services Birmingham Hospice provides and how they can support us with both raising funds and campaigning for fairer funding.  

They were also able to hear stories from some of our patients and their families, who explained how the hospice had helped them at one of the most difficult times in their lives. 

On the fundraising side, there was chance to learn about the hospice’s upcoming Bulls in the City art trail for 2025, with ‘Brodie’, one of its smaller-sized bulls, stationed in the room on the evening, and the ‘Hearts and High Rollers’ Valentine’s ball, which is also taking place next year.  

Dawn Ward said: “The past year or so has been a very difficult time for Birmingham Hospice, and the wider hospice sector, as our costs have increased rapidly and the funding we receive from the NHS and government has not kept pace.  

“It was heartening to see so many friends of the hospice turn out to support us at this event, and there was a lively and positive discussion about how we can raise the profile of the hospice sector and influence decision-makers to give us the support we need.  

“While we cannot fundraise our way out of this crisis, it was also fantastic to see the level of interest in our forthcoming fundraising events, including our Bulls in the City trail, which will be a great opportunity for the whole city to come out and show its support.”