Category: Charity

Coventry Foodbank have issued an urgent warning: ‘Donate food now or fewer people will be fed.’

The appeal comes in the hope the charity can prevent radical measures as stocks reach one of the lowest levels in its 15-year history.

Empty shelves at the Halo Centre warehouse in Binley desperately need replenishing, with a particular need for non-perishable items.

In May, 11 tonnes of food went out of the warehouse compared to six tonnes of food coming in, leaving a five-tonne deficit which equates to around 900 people.

Foodbank Founder Canon Gavin Kibble MBE, said: “We have faced shortages before, but right now we are facing one of the most serious shortages we have ever experienced. Since late last year almost twice as much food has been going out of our warehouse as has been coming in, and that is simply not sustainable. We are down to our last 20 pallets, and we are missing a huge number of the individual items that make up a balanced food parcel.

“If things carry on as they are, we will have no choice but to reduce the number of people we feed each month.

“We know times are hard for everyone, but we are appealing directly to the people of Coventry – if you can spare even one or two items from your weekly shop, it will make a real difference. This city has always stepped up when its neighbours needed help, and we need that generosity now more than ever.”

“The foodbank is asking for donations of long-life, non-perishable items in particular.  Every tin, every packet, every donation counts. Nobody in Coventry should have to go hungry, and with the public’s help, nobody will.”

The organisation marks its 15^th anniversary year, over which time it has worked in partnership with local churches, schools, businesses, and referral agencies to provide emergency food parcels and compassionate support to those in crisis.

Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be redeemed for three to five days’ of emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink and can signpost people to other organisations to help resolve the longer-term problems that might cause someone to need to use a foodbank.

Last year over 22,000 people in Coventry needed to use a foodbank. The cost of living squeeze is meaning that hundreds of people are needing to use a foodbank in the city every week. Over 250,000 people have received food from the Foodbank in the 15 years since it was founded.

In 2025 more than 167 tonnes of food was donated and 180 tonnes given out, feeding 14,600 adults and 7,600 children.

To find out more about the Foodbank or how you can donate or fundraise visit HERE.

There are still spaces left for the Foodbank’s Charity Abseil down Coventry Cathedral, on August 1^st. Those taking part in the abseil must be over 16 and weigh less than 19 stone and commit to raising a minimum £200 for the charity through sponsorship.

As well as the abseil, Coventry foodbank will have an activity tent set up in the Old Cathedral grounds.

To register and interest in the abseil visit HERE.

Anyone who needs support from Coventry foodbank, should visit: coventryfoodbank.org.uk/help, or you can find local support by visiting HERE.

A charity-led community radio station which launched in February is celebrating early success by expanding into Warwickshire from July 1st.

Vibe25 Radio, based in Hampton in Arden, has rapidly grown into a platform reaching thousands of listeners online, through apps, Alexa and, now, available on DAB to south Birmingham audiences. It will soon also be heard in the north of the city, bringing its total audience potential to 600,000.

And it follows an announcement last week that music icon Chicane – a.k.a Nick Bracegirdle – has joined as its new patron.

The legendary electronic music producer, songwriter and internationally acclaimed artist is known worldwide for timeless productions such as Saltwater and Offshore, and a catalogue of iconic dance and chillout releases spanning more than three decades.

Both Vibe25 Radio and their sister charity, Smiling Families, are run by husband and wife team Kerry Martin and ‘Shoresy.’ The charity was founded by husband and wife Paul (‘Shoresy’) and Kerry Martin after Kerry experienced a life-threatening illness following the traumatic birth of their son, Owen, leading to ongoing health challenges.

Alongside events, the charity offers support networks that foster friendship, understanding and shared experience.

The pair’s vision for the radio station is that it will help provide another voice and creative outlet for individuals and families facing serious illness, disability, and life-changing challenges.

Shoresy said: “Since our launch we have gone from strength to strength with the support of all our volunteers and supporters and achieiving DAB status has been a huge boos. We look forward to bringing our broad range of shows and music to an even wider audience when we expand to Warwickshire from next month.”

Of the collaboration, he said: “I have been following Nick “Chicane” since his beginnings, 30 years ago and has gotten me through some tough times, so having him as the Patron means so much to me personally and to the rest of the Vibe Tribe. Nick’s values of kindness, community and giving back are aligned with what we believe at Vibe25 Radio and Smiling Families Charity.”

“The partnership will help raise awareness of Vibe’s growing platform while supporting the wider work of Smiling Families, a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to supporting families affected by terminal illness, disability, life-changing conditions, bereavement, mental health challenges, and hardship.

He added: “Nick’s music has been the soundtrack to so many people’s lives, including many of our presenters and listeners. To now have him supporting our vision as Patron is honestly incredible. This means the world to our volunteers, our listeners and the families we support.

“As a volunteer-led station built around inclusion, wellbeing and giving people a voice, having someone of Nick’s stature believe in the project is a truly special moment for the entire team.

“The collaboration also opens the door to exciting creative opportunities, industry exposure, and inspirational pathways for young people and community groups looking to break into media and music production.”

The station, which launched in February, is rapidly emerging as one of the Midlands’ most exciting and community-driven broadcast platforms, blending music, creativity, and social impact to create a unique listening experience.

Broadcasting across multiple platforms, and using the latest state-of-the-art technology, Vibe25 Radio offers a diverse schedule of shows spanning everything from 80s classics and drive-time hits to dance, trance, and specialist programming, delivered by a passionate team of 30 presenters and volunteers.

Chicane said of the collaboration: “People underestimate the importance of music as therapy, I truly believe in giving back and love what Vibe25 radio are doing. I look forward to what’s ahead.”

Twenty-one-year-old Samuel Attwell has completed an extraordinary 10-day run from the very top to the bottom of Ireland, becoming possibly the youngest person to achieve the feat, while raising more than £50,000 for Warwick children’s charity Molly Ollys, with donations still continuing to climb.

In a feat attempted by very few solo runners, Samuel, from Redditch, spent ten consecutive days covering vast stretches of rural Ireland, battling harsh weather, fatigue, and unforgiving terrain – for 350 miles!

Setting off from Malin Head in County Donegal, he ran to Mizen Head in County Cork, covering hundreds of miles through Donegal, Derry, Leitrim, Longford, Offaly, Tipperary, Limerick and Cork. Along the way he was met with incredible support from local communities, helping push fundraising beyond his original £50,000 target.

Samuel undertook the challenge in support of Molly Ollys, a Warwick-based charity that also delivers vital support across Ireland, including providing its Olly The Brave books to Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin and the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, alongside granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

Samuel is also an ambassador for the charity, which provides vital emotional support to seriously ill children and their families.

His determination is deeply rooted in his own personal loss. Having lost his grandmother to cancer, and then, devastatingly, his best friend who passed away at just 18 years old, these experiences ignited a drive in him that goes far beyond sport.

Speaking after completing the challenge, Samuel said: “I feel absolutely euphoric. This has been the toughest thing I’ve ever done, but knowing it was all for Molly Ollys kept me going every single day. To raise over £50,000, and to see donations still coming in, is incredible.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me. To do this for such an amazing charity and the children and families they help means everything.”

Funds raised from the challenge could help grant up to 100 wishes for seriously ill children, as well as provide vital comfort and support to families during incredibly tough times.

Oakland International Co-Founders and Samuel’s parents, Sallie and Dean Attwell, added: “We are immensely proud of Samuel and all he has achieved.

“To take on a challenge of this scale, and complete it with such determination, resilience and heart, is truly inspiring particularly as he has done it in support of Molly Ollys, a charity making such a meaningful difference to children and families, makes this achievement even more special.”

While the challenge is complete, donations remain open, with additional funds helping Molly Ollys continue its vital work supporting children and families across the UK and Ireland.

To donate, visit HERE.

Molly Ollys was established in 2011 by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw, from Warwick, following the death of their eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

The charity works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing. As well as providing wishes, they donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

The therapeutic toy lion called Olly The Brave has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy. These form part of an Olly The Brave pack that has now been handed out to more than 70 hospitals or health centres, along with a set of books from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave series.

Rachel said: “I don’t think any of us fully realised the enormity of the task Samuel was undertaking, to go out day after day when your body is sore, the weather is against you, and you are exhausted is certainly a challenge.

“Samuel has done so well, and we are so proud of him and honoured to have him as our Young Ambassador. A huge ‘Well done’ from All the Team at Molly Ollys.”

Samuel set off embark from the northernmost tip of Ireland on May 18th to its southernmost point – completing the route on 27th May.

Daily Route Breakdown:

• Day 1: Malin Head → Derry — 52km
• Day 2: Derry → Baragh — 68km
• Day 3: Baragh → Ballinamore — 52km
• Day 4: Ballinamore → Ballymahon — 61km
• Day 5: Ballymahon → Banagher — 48km
• Day 6: Banagher → Nenagh — 42km
• Day 7: Nenagh → Bruff — 55km
• Day 8: Bruff → Millstreet — 70km
• Day 9: Millstreet → Kealkill — 55km
• Day 10: Kealkill → Mizen Head — 55km

ABOUT MOLLY OLLYS:

Throughout the 15 years Molly Ollys has been running, it has raised more than £5 million; granted more than 4,300 wishes; supported more than 19,500 children and distributed more than 20,000 Olly The Brave books to more than 70 hospitals.

The charity works alongside the NHS to support projects within the hospitals and the community. One key project was the creation and refurbishment of Magnolia House at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. This is a safe and non-clinical space where medical teams and families can have important discussions.

Molly Ollys is also responsible for funding the first ever consultant in paediatric palliative medicine at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, in 2018 and further provided funding for two more consultants, doubling the number of existing roles in the region.

 Molly Ollys need the support of companies and individuals to enable them to help more children. They welcome the opportunity to provide more information about their work. For details contact Rachel on 07747 854914.