Leisure and retail destination announces new charity of the year

Touchwood Solihull has announced Birmingham-based Little Hearts Matter (LHM) as its 2024 ‘Charity of the Year’.

The award-winning retail and leisure destination prides itself on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the local community and visitors alike and will support LHM through a series of fundraising events over the next 12 months.

LHM provides support to families with children experiencing single ventricle heart condition, through sharing information and resources. The charity’s mission is to reduce the isolation and fear that a family may feel when their child is diagnosed with half a working heart.

As the only charity in the UK that supports people affected by the diagnosis of a single ventricle heart condition, LHM continues to advocate for its members and strives for greater national awareness of the rare condition.

Tony Elvin (pictured), general manager at Touchwood, said: “Incurable health conditions in children can be detrimental to their development, preventing them from enjoying day-to-day activities and experiences, and can greatly impact their supporting family and friends.

“The support that Little Hearts Matter offers to children and young people diagnosed with single heart ventricle condition is vital in helping them to stay informed and creates a community where they can share their experiences with others.

“We are very pleased to be supporting the charity over the next year, as voted for by our team at Touchwood, and we hope our fundraising will help to continue their fantastic work.”

Lisa Davies, chief executive at Little Hearts Matter, said: " I am thrilled and honoured that we have been chosen as Touchwood's Charity of the Year. This recognition is a testament to the vital work we do in supporting children with single ventricle heart conditions and their families.

“We look forward to this partnership, which will not only raise much-needed awareness and funds but also help us continue to provide our essential services and support to those who need it most. Thank you, Touchwood, for believing in our mission and joining us in making a difference."

For more information on Little Hearts Matter, please visit the website.

To find out more about Touchwood, visit the website.