Multidisciplinary engineering firm adi Group, long-time supporter of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, has raised £4,500 through a one-of-a-kind fundraising effort.
The 26th of July saw adi Facilities Engineering Operations Manager Mitchell Grenfell-Williams complete an incredible 103 km run between 3am and 6pm, going from his home to the firm’s head office in Birmingham.
Having battled rheumatoid arthritis for years, the challenge was a powerful demonstration of Mitchell’s physical endurance and a testament to his mental resilience. However, it was also an extraordinary altruistic achievement in contributing to Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s mission to do more for its patients.
Supporting over 100,000 sick children from across the UK, the hospital’s charity strives to raise vital funds to make a real difference to all who use the hospital’s services, spaces, treatment and equipment.
Earlier this month, the charity launched a £3m appeal to transform the main entrance of Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital, encouraging supporters to take part through their own ‘100-themed’ initiatives.
Following feedback from parents and families highlighting the stressful, confusing and intimidating experience of entering the hospital, the charity’s ‘It Starts Here Appeal’ will change the entrance and its surroundings from an unwelcoming and daunting space to a child-friendly, bright open space.
Further supporting the 100K run, adi employees wrote over 100 ‘thinking of you’ cards to the parents and families of the children in care at the hospital, as well as organising a cake and samosa sale.
The adi team also volunteered their time to support Mitchell by running 10k at a time alongside him as well as driving along the route to ensure his safety.
Commenting on yet another successful fundraising initiative for the hospital, CEO Alan Lusty said, “It’s been heartwarming to see the whole team come together to support Mitch’s incredible effort. It is precisely this type of generosity, determination and passion that we encourage at adi, and doing it all for such a great cause is nothing short of exceptional.”
The firm selected the organisation as its charity of the year in January last year, and set the ambitious target of raising £40,000, achieving more than double this figure with an outstanding £88,000.
Earlier this year, adi was also recognised as one of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity’s 100 Heroes for the second year running, being acknowledged for its continuous fundraising and volunteering efforts.
The business offers its support through an extensive yearly calendar of events, including the Aberdovey Bike Ride, the Dragon Boat Race, the Wolf Run, the Alton Towers 10k run, and St Basils Big Sleepout.
And, driven by a continuous passion to do more for the charity, the team has organised its own events and activities, including Macmillan Coffee Mornings, football tournaments, site clean-ups, Christmas gift deliveries for children in care and much more.
“At adi Group, we’ve made supporting Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity through as many means as possible a priority,” continued Mr Lusty.
“We aim to get all our employees involved in supporting the local community, whether that’s by contributing their ideas or donating their time. I am grateful to have an exceptional team behind me that’s always willing to do more to help.”
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