Community News

Almost £20million of funding has been approved by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to help accelerate local authority plans to revitalise town centres.

The funding will be used to unlock land for regeneration in five town centres: Bilston, St Thomas Quarter in Dudley, Bordesley Green in Birmingham, St Matthews Quarter in Walsall and West Bromwich (East).

The idea is to breathe new life into high streets which have suffered a series of blows in recent years, including a downturn in footfall thanks to out-of-town outlets and online shopping, and a spate of recent big-name store closures.

BHS, Poundworld, Maplin, Marks and Spencer, New Look, Mothercare and Debenhams have all recently announced planned closures or have already closed down, leaving vacant units in key locations as a visible sign of high street decline.

“It’s clear the traditional town centre model isn’t working anymore,” explained Cllr Mike Bird, leader of Walsall Council and the WMCA portfolio holder for land and housing.

“Town centre retail is not the draw it once was, and as a result, our town centres are being visited by less people, with the end result that shops are closing down. Where these centres were once bustling with activity, they’re now populated with vacant units and empty streets, with little sign of the trend reversing without intervention.

“We need community hubs which people want to go to: with spacious, green meeting areas, great Wi-Fi, arts and cultural opportunities, family doctors and quality housing.”

The WMCA board approved plans to focus on the first five town centres in October last year. Each centre was nominated by its local council, and will be supported by the council’s own plans for regeneration.

The WMCA will act as a catalyst to help speed up those plans by unlocking land, using its devolved Housing and Land funds to open new development opportunities.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street has pledged to use his experience in the retail industry, himself a former managing director of John Lewis before entering politics, to help revive some of the region’s town centres.

The Mayor said: “It’s great news that we now have a £20 million war chest to regenerate these town centres. This money will allow us to buy derelict buildings and land on high streets to turn into housing, new offices or shops, and other leisure uses. I know from my days at John Lewis that a town centre needs more than shopping to be successful.

“There is lots of talk about how we save the high street. Here in the West Midlands, we are getting on with it.”

Further town centres will be eligible for a second wave of support later in the year, building on the experience from the first wave of centres.

A Regional Task Force is also being created to bring together experts from retail, finance, housing, universities and Government to share their knowledge and lend support to the programme.

The support for town centres is part of the WMCA’s wider commitment to focus regeneration efforts and housing delivery on existing urban areas and brownfield land.

A former product development manager has taken on an apprenticeship at the age of 49 – proving it’s never too late to learn new skills.

Steve Young worked in the Epos/cashless payment sector since leaving school and worked through the ranks before being made product development manager. However, after 29 years at the same company, he was made redundant in April last year, forcing a career change.

It was thanks to a former colleague, who contacted him on the business networking website LinkedIn, that he was introduced to Birmingham-based independent electronic security system JM Security Systems, who took him on as a trainee security installations engineer.

He is one of six apprentices going through rigorous, three-year training programmes that will lead to nationally recognised qualifications for security systems engineers.

“I have learned, and I am still learning, all manner of new skills that are associated with the service and installation of Intruder and CCTV systems that JM supplies and maintains,” he said.

“I’d never have thought about taking on an apprenticeship at my age, but it’s been great. I enjoy the independence and freedom my role as a security systems engineer gives me and I feel I can grow and achieve more as time goes on.

“I’m proud to be part of a growing company that does have a great work ethos, family values and structured training programme. The support is always on hand both from colleagues and management, should I need to call on it.”

JM Security Systems, based in Summer Lane, says the dynamics of its business has changed positively since taking on its first apprentice 15 months ago.

Mary Vadaie, business development manager for the commercial security sector experts, said: “As a company we are committed to the development of our staff and over the past couple of years, this has extended to taking on apprentices, who can learn on the job while earning a good salary that is far in excess of the minimum normally paid to learners.

“We not only have a great, young team, who are studying for the most up-to-date qualifications for a job in this very competitive industry, we also benefit as a business. Like other companies in the security installation sector, we struggled to find well-qualified engineers, so training our own to our exacting standards was the ideal solution.

“The learners not only bring their new knowledge into the workplace and apply it immediately, they also enjoy being mentored by our highly qualified staff.”

Two of the apprentices are on the Government-led Trailblazer Level 3 Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Technical course, which is backed by the Systems & Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB). The course requires them to attend college in Knutsford, for three days every quarter, and they have already reached a level that is advanced enough for them to have been provided with a company van.

Two other apprentices – one of whom joined the company with a CCTV background and the other with an IP (internet protocol) background – have also been provided with company vehicles, while the remaining apprentices are still on the basic level training.

The company has also appointed an apprentice administrator, who is undertaking an 18-month team leader award.

“The managing director of JM Security Systems started off as an apprentice and worked his way up before starting the company 12 years ago,” said Mary. “It’s why he is so keen to bring on the next generation of engineers through a high-quality training scheme.”

All the apprentices and trainees at the firm, which counts businesses such as the NHS, Post Office and BP among its clients, also complete a rolling programme of professional training in addition to their qualifications.

Running alongside this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, Severn Trent’s 2019 apprenticeship scheme is now open for applications, with the company inviting the next generation of engineers and leaders to join the FTSE 100 water and waste business.

Severn Trent, the UK’s second biggest water company which serves 8 million customers across the Midlands, currently offers seven different apprenticeships, providing applicants the opportunity to combine a hands-on experience with studying, while also earning a competitive salary.

Mark Smith, Talent Attraction Consultant from Severn Trent said, “There’s a real buzz around apprenticeships at the moment, and with it being National Apprenticeship Week it’s the perfect time for us to invite young people to apply for a rewarding career at one of the Midlands’ biggest companies.

“We’re proud to be able to offer a really diverse range of options this year. As well as the more traditional engineering programmes which you’d expect from us, we’re also offering apprenticeships in areas such as finance and law, meaning there really is something for everyone.”

The company is offering apprenticeship programmes in:

• Tanker Driving;
• Utilities Engineering;
• Engineering;
• Project Management;
• Quantity Surveying;
• Finance; and
• Law;

Severn Trent’s award-winning apprentices have won gold at the Industry World Skills competition, competed in the nationwide Brathay apprentice challenge, and also had one of their own named apprentice of the year.

“The scheme’s always incredibly popular so we’d urge anyone who’s interested to get their application in,” continues Mark. “I’m sure all of our new apprentices will go on to do great things at Severn Trent, whatever path they might choose, which also means they’ll be ensuring our customers get the best experience possible, while working in an ever-evolving industry.”

Meet six-year-old English Setter, Otis, who is brightening up the day of some of our youngest patients.

The pooch will visit Sandwell Hospital, in the West Midlands, with one mission in his mind – to comfort them during their stay.

The dog and his owner, Sharon Siddall, will be visiting paediatric wards once a week as part of the pet therapy programme.

The scheme, which has been running for nearly a year on Newton 4 ward where stroke patients are treated, has been expanded so that children will also benefit from this therapy.

Liza Gill, Volunteer Service Manager said: “After seeing how pet therapy helps our stroke patients during their stay at the hospital, I thought it would be a good idea to introduce the pets to our children’s wards as well, as they can help distract children from their illness and boost their mood.

“Matron Jez Jones agreed and welcomed the idea to invite Otis to meet his young patients.”

Retired teacher, Sharon, who was invited to bring her dog Otis to the hospital, said: “I’m so thrilled to take Otis into the hospitals to visit young patients.

“I have been taking him to Sandwell Hospital since September to see stroke patients and immediately, I could see the difference he made to patients.

“He really enjoyed being around people and he is happy for everyone to come and pet him.

“Nurses have been telling me how stroke patients always look forward to seeing us and how Otis makes everyone really happy.

“Before I volunteered with Pets as Therapy, Otis used to come with me to my school. So he was comfortable with being around children and he loved them. I’m sure he will enjoy visiting the children in the hospital.”

Otis and Sharon will visit the children’s wards every tomorrow (Thursday).

Pet therapy is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal. It also involves the animal’s handler. The purpose of pet therapy is to help someone recover from or cope with a health problem or mental disorder. Research has shown pet therapy is beneficial to patients in many ways, including helping to reduce blood pressure and improving overall cardiovascular health. It can also release endorphins that produce a calming effect. This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve patients’ overall psychological state.

To celebrate ‘International Women’s Day’ Birmingham Hippodrome is hosting a day of free talks, exciting exhibitions, phenomenal shows, pop-up performances, and a special makers’ market!

During the day you can visit the theatre’s Gallery Two to see interesting illustrations from up-and-coming female artists from Birmingham. The exhibition, ‘Once Upon a Time in Birmingham: Women who Dared to Dream,’ depicts 30 of Birmingham’s most awe-inspiring women from the recently published book by The Emma Press, and will be on display until Thursday April 18.

Visitors can also go to the Makers’ Market to pick up a unique piece of jewellery, ceramics or artwork from some of the city’s creative female artists and makers, such as Vicky Neville and Karen Beard.

Elsewhere in the building, heritage volunteer Sophie Lewis will be hosting a talk about exceptional women who have contributed to the Hippodrome’s success. Listeners will hear fascinating facts about the women who have shaped the theatre’s history.

During the evening there will be an eclectic mix of performances to enjoy, from free contemporary pop-up performances to world-class opera on the main stage. There are still tickets available for Welsh National Opera’s Roberto Devereux so do not miss the chance to see this powerful performance. See a fierce female lead in this tragic opera by Gaetano Donizetti containing some of Donizetti’s most vibrant and powerful melodies.

In the foyer Fresh Fridays, a weekly free pop-up performance programme, will feature a full-length performance from critically acclaimed theatre company NOVAE Theatre. After receiving rave reviews at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, ‘It’s Not a Sprint’ is a whirlwind one-woman show looking at the highs and lows of life as a millennial.

‘Hit the Ode,’ a monthly poetry night in the Patrick Studio also has an International Women’s Day special. The night features readings from actor, writer, poet and co-founder of NTD Productions Rosie Fleeshman alongside music project AGĀMA, and international writer Malika Booker.

International Women’s Day takes place on March 8 every year and focuses on a particular theme. This year’s campaign theme is #BalanceForBetter and is a call to action for driving gender balance across the world.

Chris Sudworth, Associate Director (Programme & Artist Development), say: “We’re really excited by everything we have on offer throughout the building for International Women’s Day - on our stages, in our galleries and foyers. In keeping with the #BalanceForBetter theme, our programme focuses on highlighting the difference that pioneering and powerful women make in the city and beyond, to make the world a better, fairer and more equal place.

“We hope to welcome guests to our building on International Women’s Day for a celebration of great people and we hope to inspire some future female leaders.”

Local charity CASBA have been successful in their bid to secure funding for a second project documenting the city’s Learning Disability history.

Following on from their ground-breaking ‘From Institution to Community’ project, the new two-year ‘Education is Special’ project will work with five special schools to look at how special education had developed over the last 50 years in Birmingham.

Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, this exciting project will bring together current and former pupils at the schools to record their experiences of what it’s like to go to a special school, as well as interviewing teachers and parents.

Chair of CASBA, Deepika Nayyar, said: “Birmingham has a proud history of supporting people with Learning Disabilities throughout their time in education. This project will be a great opportunity for CASBA, our partners and local schools, to reflect on what we can learn from those experiences.”

CASBA’s Heritage Project Coordinator, Joe Peacock, added: “These special schools have played a vital role for thousands of families in Birmingham. Everyone’s school days shape their lives and leave lasting memories and that it is just as true for people with Learning Disabilities as anyone else. However, until the education act was passed in 1970, they were seen as ineducable, so there was no compulsory schooling. Fifty years on, it seems like the perfect time to see how this provision has changed and hear what effect it’s had on people’s lives.”

In their first Heritage project, CASBA revealed stories about life in Monyhull Hospital, debunking the myths and ensuring that the voices of local people with Learning Disabilities were heard. This new project will celebrate another little-understood subject through the voices of those that know it best; the incredible work that’s done in Birmingham’s special schools.

Vanessa Harbar, Head of National Lottery Heritage Fund West Midlands, said “We are delighted that thanks to National Lottery players, a little known aspect of Birmingham’s educational and social history will be uncovered and celebrated.”

A group of 60 women and men have come together to declare they will not have children due to the growing threat of climate and ecological collapse. Going by the name ‘BirthStrike’, the group feel so affected by the ecological catastrophe, and so disappointed by the reaction of world leaders, that they feel too concerned to pass this burden onto a child.

As reporting on climate and ecological breakdown intensifies, BirthStrike is being used as a platform to speak out, to protest, and to spark a conversation about what it means to be part of the human species as its extinction is contemplated.

The group hopes to inform the general public, beyond the environmental sphere, just how serious the collapse of our environment could be by sharing their stories and having an open space for discussion and solidarity. If people would like to join BirthStrike they can join the the Facebook group or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

“I do have a partner and would like to have children with him. We’re really in love and it feels like the right thing to do,” said founder of BirthStrike and former singer of Indie music band The Vaults, Blythe Pepino, aged 33.

“But last year I read the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and I realised how wrong it would be to bring a child into a world on the brink of catastrophe. Now we are looking for other women and men who feel the same way to join us.”

“It’s a very hard emotional message to decide not to have kids but I hope it might break through the fear and diffidence that surrounds this subject. There is a powerful cognitive dissonance around climate – our everyday lives seem normal but we are talking about a major destructive event.”

The IPCC report warns that Earth faces disastrous global temperature rises of 3C by 2100 and 8-12C by 2250 unless humanity cuts its greenhouse gas emissions - currently equivalent to 50 billion tons of CO2 a year.

Alice Brown, 22, from Bristol is a recent convert to BirthStrike. She said the decision to tell her dad about not having children was extremely difficult: “He went away and found out more and now he’s become a proper eco-activist. He recently got arrested for spraying graffiti on government offices in Bristol. It was quite an achievement because he’s also completely blind but he got locked up for a day instead.”

BirthStrike stand in compassionate solidarity with all parents and does not seek to judge anyone intending to bear children. This is not a platform to promote the decision to not have children, but an opportunity to raise awareness of the growing horror we face in the wake of climate and ecological collapse.

Prince Harry was in Birmingham, yesterday, to unveil a memorial to the victims of two deadly attacks in Tunisia four years ago.

A gunman killed 30 Britons and eight others during a shooting spree at the beach resort of Sousse in June 2015.

Three months earlier, further Brit was among 21 victims when militants stormed Tunisia’s national museum.

The Duke of Sussex was joined by 300 guests, including families of the victims, to open the memorial in Cannon Hill Park in Edgbaston, featuring the ‘Infinite Wave’ sculpture - made up of 31 individual streams to represent each victim.

“In memory of all those who lost their lives, and to the families whose lives were changed forever by these events, I would like to pay my deepest respects to you and officially dedicate this memorial to your loved ones,” the Prince said.

Whilst in the city, the Duke also visited the Scar Free Foundation Centre for Conflict Wound Research based at the city’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The centre is aimed at helping military veterans and civilians wounded in militant attacks to deal with appearance-altering injuries - over 6,000 members of the British armed forces have been seriously injured or scarred in recent conflicts, according to the Prince’s office.

Harry, who served in armed forces for a decade including two tours of Afghanistan, heard about techniques the centre used and the psychological treatments wounded veterans were given to help them cope with life with a scarred appearance.

DB Cargo UK and the National College for High Speed Rail have joined forces to launch a new Level 3 Train Driver Apprenticeship programme.

In January seven apprentices started their 18-month apprenticeship programme.  The apprenticeship will provide the trainees with a recognised qualification to validate their internal technical training and vocational training.

The National College for High Speed Rail is the main apprenticeship provider, with DB Cargo UK providing the technical driver training.

DB Cargo UK’s Apprenticeships Manager Kerrie Talbot said the programme further strengthened the company’s working relationship with the college which stands just a stone’s throw from DB’s headquarters in Lakeside, Doncaster.

“We are delighted to be the first rail freight company to be involved in the delivery of such a programme.   This apprenticeship standard is evidence of what can be achieved when Train Operating Companies, Freight Operating Companies, On-Track Machine Companies, Trade Unions and regulators come together and collaborate,” she said.

“A special thank you to Marie Orchard, Apprenticeship Standards from NSAR, who brought the trailblazer group together, and all the rail companies that worked on creating an apprenticeship standard for train drivers that works for the industry” she added.

“There is an acute shortage of train drivers here in the UK and this is an excellent way of developing a new pipeline of talent and creating the next generation of drivers.”

As well as being trained to drive trains, the apprenticeship standard also covers a range of wider topics including leadership, professional development, customer services, commercial awareness, safety, health and wellbeing.

“What we want to get across is that being a train driver is not just about getting a train from A to B. We want to ensure that our existing operational staff  and drivers of the future receive a recognised qualification and understand the broader context in which they operate and have all the necessary skills to be an ambassador for DB Cargo UK,” said Kerrie.

The company already collaborates with the college on the delivery of engineering apprenticeships and Kerrie paid tribute to the college’s Chief Executive Clair Mowbray, Head of Business Engagement Kathy Howarth, and Curriculum Development Manager Charles Anderson for the energy and enthusiasm they have shown in getting the delivery model in place to meet DB Cargo’s recruitment pipeline.

“The National College for High Speed Rail understands the needs of rail freight operators and we are delighted to increase our collaboration with the college” said Kerrie.

The new Level 3 Train Driver Apprenticeship is available to all freight and passenger companies, as well as those companies that operate on-track machinery on the rail network.

DB Cargo UK, the UK’s leading rail freight operator, is supporting National Apprenticeship Week 2019.

The Mini, the most popular British car ever built and a true British icon, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

The mark the event, this month the makers are launching The MINI 60 Years Edition, an exclusive design model, available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations and with four engine variants from which to choose.

The original Mini ranked fourth in a poll of British design icons organised by the BBC and the Design Museum; it has had starring roles in films like The Italian Job and at the London 2012 Olympic Games; it has gone racing; it has been a troop transporter; and has won the hearts of many millions across the globe for six decades.

Now, the Birmingham-built classic is the inspiration for a new series of arresting pop art-style artworks launched by world-leading art agency, Thomas Crown Art (TCA).

International art dealer at TCA, Stephen Howes, comments: “The Mini, the greatest success story that the British motor industry has ever known, was never meant to be an icon.

“It was meant to be practical and efficient.”

He continues: “But with its unconventional looks, its daring-to-be-different charm, its personality, and its design, the Mini was cool from the very beginning.

“From the moment it was launched in 1959, there was a coolness about it that has endured and undoubtedly grown over the last six decades.

“Its place as a true, mould-breaking British icon was cemented in the epicentre of Great Britain in the Swinging Sixties and has been galvanised in the 21st century’s Cool Britannia movement.”

Mr Howes goes on to add: “How could we not celebrate this timeless, fun-loving legend as it prepares to celebrate its diamond anniversary? And who better than Birmingham-born artist Gary O’Neil?

“These bright, arresting highly original and collectable mixed-media pieces encapsulate the spirit of the Mini. They have an electrifying sense of freshness about them and have their origins in the 1960s pop art scene.”

For his part, artist Gary O’Neil explains: “Like a lot of people, I’m quite nostalgic about the Mini. My parents owned several, and I had one for my first car. More recently, I bought myself a “Cooper S” which I love to drive.

“We thought it would be great to recognise the Mini’s 60th birthday by producing some artwork. I decided to enhance the paintings using old tax discs, and to emulate the dominant style in art from the period. I think the result of painting the iconic Mini in the pop art style works really well.”

Howes concludes: “Against the backdrop of Britain quitting the EU, the Mini, which embodies all that is cool about Britain, celebrates its 60th birthday.  With these collectors’ pieces of art we’re looking to continue to ride the wave of Cool Britannia into the future.”

The Mini series by Gary O’Neil are available globally.

Runners, joggers and walkers are readying themselves for the 36th charity fundraising Knowle Fun Run - this year in aid of the UK Sepsis Trust, SoLO Life Opportunities and Lions locally determined causes

To be based at Greswolde Hotel, organisers are not proposing any changes to this year’s event apart from a small extension to the route to ensure the 10k is a full 10k. And after 8 years they have decided to retire their old entry system and use one provided by their timing company StuWeb.

The Knowle Fun Run 2019 organisers are looking to hear from anyone able to offer further sponsorship, would like to be involved with the planning and organisation of the day or help in any other ways to ensure the continued success of the community fundraising event.

Knowle & Dorridge Lion Adrian Harris said: “Anyone who has taken part in recent years will tell you about the great atmosphere of 1800 runners, many in fancy dress, being cheered on by the residents who always line the traffic-free streets.

“We hope runners have committed early by entering online and will make a donation or get their run sponsored to help raise funds to support this year’s partner charities – the Sepsis UK Trust and SoLO Life Opportunities with half of all proceeds being retained for local causes.”

The Knowle Fun Run 2019, plus the KidsRuns, for the under 9's, takes place on Sunday, May 19.

The Lions are already busy organising their next event – the Heart of England Bike Ride from Packwood House on Sunday 8 July and would be delighted to see people again to cycle the 12, 18 or 50 mile routes. Enter online by July 1 for the discounted rates. To pre-empt the inevitable question – yes you may run the 12 mile route if you like a challenge.

John Taylor Hospice partnered with two local solicitors to offer people a discounted will writing service.

During Wills Month people made or update a single will for £60 and a double will for £110 - with half the fee being donated to John Taylor Hospice.

Hospice Head of Fundraising Katie Mitchell said: “Making a will gives you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be followed after you have died. Our discounted Wills Month service will help you to control your legacy and ensure that your loved ones will be taken care of.

“After making sure those close to you will be provided for, you can choose to leave a gift in your will to John Taylor Hospice. There is no obligation to do this but we would, of course, be incredibly grateful if you chose to remember our charity in your will. Gifts kindly left in wills are so important as they help us to provide care and support for hundreds of local families every day. Legacies also help to ensure our services are available for generations of families to come.”

Dawn Smith, who has motor neurone disease, attends the hospice’s Living Well Centre, in Birmingham, taking part in activities and learning techniques to manage her symptoms.

“I enjoy coming to the hospice,” says Dawn, aged 54 of Shard End. “I feel normal – no illness is ever mentioned, and the staffs are wonderful.”

Solicitors participating in John Taylor’s Wills Month are Baches LLP and Robert Shaw and Co.

To register visit: www.johntaylorhospice.org.uk 

A yellow weather warning for strong winds is in place for the West Midlands from 3pm on today until 6am tomorrow as Storm Freya passes through the region.

The Met Office is forecasting an unsettled period with scope for rain and a short spell of very strong winds during the latter part of Sunday afternoon and evening.

Storm Freya is expected to move quite quickly, with forecasters saying the strongest winds are unlikely to persist for more than two to three hours in any one place.

Nonetheless, gusts of up to 50mph or 60mph in places are expected, meaning there may be some travel disruption and possible dangerous conditions late Sunday and into Monday, including fallen trees and loss of power.

People are advised to take extra care if they are out and about, and keep an eye on weather forecasts.

The Met Office forecast can be found at:

https://beta.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/gcq7pt4g5.

Lewis Crawford, 25, from Wolverhampton, in the West Midlands, is taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon for the Stroke Association on Sunday April 28 after his best friend had two strokes aged just 25.

Curtis McGhee, now 27, had two serious strokes in the summer of 2017 which initially left him in a coma. When he regained consciousness, Curtis was unable to walk or use his left side and was blind in his left eye. Tragically, Curtis also lost his Father in early 2018 and was unable to attend the funeral, due to his condition.

Now Lewis, who has never ran a marathon, is determined to give something back after seeing everything that Curtis and his family have been through.

He said: “Despite everything that’s happened, Curtis is defying all the odds and is now on a long and tough road to recovery. All his family and friends were told he may not make it out of his coma and he did. The doctors also couldn’t believe how good his speech was, he’s amazing”

“Training for the marathon is taking its toll, especially as I have a very physically demanding job and young children. However, I know that just taking five steps is a marathon for Curtis, so the days that I’m tired from training, I just remember that I’m lucky to be able to run. Knowing what Curtis and his family have gone through to this day really pushes me on – I’m doing it for them”

Sara Adderley, Head of Stroke Support at the Stroke Association, said: “There are around 100,000 strokes every year in the UK and 1.2 million people in the UK are living with the devastating impact of stroke. We’re so grateful to Lewis for taking on this famous challenge to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association and we’ll be cheering him on all the way to the finish line.”

“A stroke can happen to anyone at any time and it turns lives upside down. However, with the support of people like Lewis we can help more stroke survivors like Curtis as they look to rebuild their lives.”

To sponsor Lewis, please visit: www.justgiving.com/teamstrokelew

A striking over-sized daffodil is coming to Birmingham to launch Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraising campaign, the Great Daffodil Appeal. The ‘Great Big Daffodil’ will visit Grand Central on March 5 ^- 7.

The Great Daffodil Appeal raises money so thousands of people with a terminal illness can receive 1.2 million hours of free nursing care at home or in a Marie Curie hospice, as well as support for their families.

This year’s Great Daffodil Appeal is giving people the opportunity to share the personal stories behind why they wear one of Marie Curie’s instantly recognisable daffodil pins.

At the Great Big Daffodil people can take a moment to reflect, remember and pay tribute to those who have been special to them. They can write something or add a photo into the paper books within each petal or speak to one of the Marie Curie team.

Daffodil pins are available in exchange for a donation at the Great Big Daffodil from volunteers around the city until the end of March from Marie Curie shops, Superdrug, Spar, Hotter and Wyevale Garden Centres.

Birmingham is one of six cities around the UK where the giant daffodil will appear during the charity’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal. The memories, stories, pictures and tributes to people around the UK will come together and be celebrated at a special event in London.

Those who can’t get to the Great Big Daffodil can still take part by sharing stories or following its 1,500-mile journey around the UK on social media using #everydaffodil.

Marie Curie Fundraising Engagement Lead, Amy McNaughton -Brown, said: “In our busy lives, we often don’t have time to stop and pay tribute to the people who are special to us – both the loved ones we’ve lost and those that are still here. Behind every daffodil, there’s a story – and we hope our Great Big Daffodil will help people to find a moment to reflect and share theirs. Whatever your story, donating and wearing a Marie Curie daffodil will help make sure one of our nurses can be there when someone special needs us most.”

To donate £5 to Marie Curie, text DAFF to 70111.

Spring might have already sprung in some parts of Europe but that doesn’t mean ski season is over. This is a great time to get away to the slopes and enjoy a last-minute ski escape. Travellers that haven’t yet enjoyed some après ski, or challenged themselves to take on a new run, can rest assured that the perfect short-haul breaks can still be booked.

Furthermore, Easter is a great time to get away and make the most of the bank and school holidays.

Whether families are seeking more time away to make the most of the school break, or simply looking to take advantage of the bank holiday weekend, there is an Iglu Ski deal to suit every schedule.

With availability up until early May, and competitive packages designed with families in mind, take to the slopes this spring for a holiday that delivers adventure, quality time and new skills. Chalets with in-house childcare, all-inclusive options, children’s clubs and ski schools are also included in many of Iglu Ski’s deals.