A Heroic year has seen a Tamworth charity raise nearly £20,000 to help improve the quality of life for local children in need.
Simon’s Heroes, founded in 2013, enjoyed a bumper 2018 and hopes to continue to raise money and make a difference into 2019 and beyond.
The group raises money through a range of activities including corporate sponsorship, quiz nights, sponsored events such as mud runs, triathlons, and mountain treks, to provide resource and opportunities to help children with life limiting illnesses lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Their beneficiaries included five-year-old Joey Parris, who has an undiagnosed neurological disorder. His condition means he requires round-the-clock care and an abundance of medical equipment to keep him stable.
Much of the equipment had been kept in the family home, which led to a cluttered environment in the house.
Upon hearing of the family’s plight, Simon’s Heroes used money they had raised to build an outdoor storage unit in the garden, which allows everything to be stored under one roof. It has double doors for easy access to the contents. This has enabled the family to keep everything secure while freeing up valuable space in the family home.
Joey’s mum Jodie said: ‘We are thrilled with the storage unit. It is so much easier to access Joey’s equipment and we have peace of mind that is now safe and protected. Thank you so much Simon’s Heroes.’
Sixteen-year-old Ellie Clover had a spinal stroke in November 2017 which left her unable to walk. Thanks to fundraising efforts and donations from Simon’s Heroes children’s charity and local businesses including ATIK night club, Two Rivers School, Briars Barn, Donative Farm, Grendon Pharmacy and the Badgers Running Club, Ellie was presented with her bespoke wheelchair in June last year.
Ellie said: ‘I am so happy with my new wheelchair, thank you so much to everyone that has made this possible. It has already given me more independence and freedom. I absolutely love it! I’m so grateful.’
Talking about Ellie, Craig Smith, Chairman of Simon’s Heroes said: ‘This is wonderful example of how the local community can unite for a good cause. The generosity of everyone will make an amazing difference to the quality of Ellie’s life.’
Simon’s Heroes has received public recognition for the difference it continues to make to children’s lives in the area. The charity were given the Community Group of the Year 2018 award at the Spirit of Tamworth Awards back in February last year.
They were also shortlisted for Community Group of the Year at the Tamworth Business and Community Awards in October 2018.
Charlotte Bull, trustee of Simon’s Heroes said: ‘2018 was a great year and we continue to grow from strength to strength. We now have over 70 dedicated members who volunteer their time to the cause. We’d like to thank them all for their support. We’d also like to say a big thank you to the local businesses, groups and individuals that raised money for us in 2018.’
Authors: Charlotte Bull, Simon’s Heroes.
Danny Thompson, News Reporter, Tamworth Herald.
