Charity 2 | Chalmers News PR

Leamington boutique fashions a fundraiser for local charities

Posted on March 31, 2026March 31, 2026 by admin

Revolve, Leamington, fundraising, Rotary Club of St Alphege

Dress for fundraising success is the mission behind a charity event hosted by a Leamington clothing boutique later this month.

Revolve, in Warwick Street, has teamed up with Solihull St Alphege Rotary Club to host a Fashion Show in support of two local charities – Marie Curie Hospice and Help Harry Help Others.

The event, on April 22^nd, takes place at Robin Hood Golf Club on St Bernards Road, Solihull, and will be joined by the Mayor Annette Mackenzie.

Gurdip Chamba, President of Solihull St Alphege Rotary Club, said: “Our upcoming fashion show promises to be a truly special occasion – an afternoon where style, community spirit, and compassion come together for a meaningful cause. As a Rotary club, service is at the heart of everything we do, and this event reflects our commitment to making a tangible difference locally while bringing people together in an enjoyable and uplifting way.

“This is far more than a fashion show. It is an opportunity for our community to gather, connect, and share in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Guests will be treated to a delightful showcase of ladies’ fashion, celebrating elegance, creativity, and confidence.”

Help Harry Help Others was established by the late Harry Moseley whilst battling an inoperable brain tumour. He was inspired to make a difference to all people with brain cancer when a friend of his who also had a brain tumour became very ill.

Revolve, Leamington, fundraising, Rotary Club of St Alphege

Within the space of just over two years Harry had organised and attended nearly 100 events to raise money for and awareness of brain cancer. He touched the hearts of the nation with his efforts and helped change the lives of everyone he met.

The charity’s support for the cancer community includes a Drop-in Cancer Support Centre in Birmingham with access to counselling services, workshops, activities and support groups.

Gurdip added: “Both organisations provide vital care, comfort, and support to individuals and families during some of life’s most challenging times. By attending or supporting this event, guests are directly contributing to services that bring dignity, hope, and compassion to those who need it most.

“We firmly believe that fundraising should be both meaningful and enjoyable. This evening is designed to strike that balance – offering a warm, friendly environment where people can have fun while knowing their participation is making a real difference. Every ticket purchased, every raffle entry, and every show of support helps us extend care and kindness within our community.

Tickets for the event, which also includes a cream tea, cost £20 and are available by contacting: mariapulley@aol.com or calling 07799 431573 or revolveleamingtonspa@hotmail.co.uk

For more information about Solihull St Alphege Rotary Club visit HERE.

For more information about Help Harry Help Others visit HERE.

‘Fashionable’ fundraising in aid of Molly Ollys

Posted on February 3, 2026 by admin

Molly Ollys, NV Her, Warwick Castle — **Sharon Steadman celebrates 18 years of her boutique clothing shop in Warwick**

Fashionable fundraising is the focus of a special anniversary event at Warwick Castle later this month.

It’s a real chance to dress to impress when businesswoman Sharon Steadman hosts A Knight With NV in aid of local children’s charity Molly Ollys.

The event, on February 28^th, also marks the 18^th anniversary of Sharon’s NV Her independent clothing boutique in Warwick’s Market Place.

Sharon said: “We are delighted to be celebrating 18 years of business in fabulous Warwick and have been fortunate that some of her customers have been with us since the start. We would like to thank all of our customers for making the shop what it is and for their continued support.

“We are all looking forward to celebrating and raising funds for Molly Ollys. We wanted to partner with a local charity – supporting local builds stronger, more resilient communities. Local charities often step in where larger organisations can’t reach or respond fast enough.”

Guests will be able to enjoy to a four-course dinner in the Castle’s medieval Great Hall as well as entertainment from live musicians and singers Spa‘kulele, Tom Corsi and Callum Bailey and DY Jos Harrison.

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.

Molly Olly's Wishes, Molly Ollerenshaw — **Molly Ollerenshaw, pictured just a few weeks before she passed away, aged eight.**

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 Ollerenshaw said: “Whilst we may have grown over the years, Molly Ollys is always grateful for local support. Working with Sharon at NV Her to help her celebrate 18 years in the heart of Warwick has been a great way to cement those all-important links with the local community. We wish Sharon all the very best for a successful grand ball and can’t wait to see a number of familiar and new faces on the night.”

A host of raffle prizes on the night include: an Aubrey Allen voucher; four tickets to Warwick Racecourse; a £50 Boden voucher; rugby match tickets (donated by Warwick Sports); a Giggling Squid voucher, a pair of tickets to see Ed Byrne at Bridge House Theatre; three yoga classes at Heist House Studios and hair products from Nash White.

Tickets cost £98 and are available from NV Her or via: hello@NV-her.co.uk or by calling 01926 930773.

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.

**Warwick Castle is the stunning venue for the charity event.**

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.

For more information about Molly Ollys or to donate visit HERE.

Local women make a date with fundraising calendar launch

Posted on January 15, 2026January 15, 2026 by admin

Ladies First Professional Development Network, charity calendar — **Photos by Visually Virtual Photography.**

Plucky female fundraisers across the region are stepping out of their comfort zones and onto a ‘dating scene’ with a difference!

More than 30 women, aged between 18 and 80 will stand in front of the camera striking a series of poses for a ‘sassy and sophisticated’ charity calendar – in aid of a host of nominated local and national charities.

And among those taking part is a familiar face on local and national screens, former TV newsreader Suzanne Virdee.

Behind the fun initiative is Ladies First Professional Development Network – a national networking group which organises events and awards for inspirational female achievers across the UK.

The West Midlands-based organisation, headed up for the last 10 years by Tracey McAtamney, is proudly based on three principles referred to as the three I’s – to Inspire, to Inform and to Introduce.

Tracey said: “As women, many of us struggle with confidence and with feeling comfortable in our own skin. Too often, we are dissatisfied with how we look and measure ourselves against unrealistic expectations.

“I turn 60 this year and people frequently ask how I plan to celebrate. For me, this milestone is not about a party – it is about becoming the best version of myself, both physically and mentally, and encouraging other women to do the same.

“Every woman featured in this calendar has a personal story. They have experienced loss, emotional trauma, divorce, illness, the mental and physical demands of the menopause, and the responsibility of caring for others. These experiences shape us, challenge us and ultimately define our strength.

She added: “Each photo represents a unique story and serves as a celebration of resilience, individuality and everything that makes a woman extraordinary.

“My hope is that participating in this project – standing in front of the camera, will build confidence and self-esteem. At the same time, it shines a light on issues women face and raises much-needed funds for the charities who support us throughout our lives.”

Likely the most recognised of those supporting the calendar project is Suzanne Virdee, an award-winning TV news anchor and freelance journalist who has presented the ITV National News, ITV News London, Channel 5 News and BBC Breakfast, as well as reporting for BBC Radio 4. She’s best known in the Midlands for co-presenting the 6.30pm BBC regional news programme Midlands Today alongside Nick Owen for 11 years.

Over her career she’s also been a passionate supporter and mentor to women starting out in journalism. And as a published author of A Girl’s Guide To Being Awesome and the best-selling A Teenager’s Guide To Being Fabulous, she empowers young girls with advice on navigating the difficult teenage years.

Suzanne’s chosen charity for the calendar is WAITS (Women Acting in Today’s Society), based in Birmingham.

She said: “When I was asked to be part of this project I absolutely had to say ‘yes.’ I am passionate about helping to empower all women to flourish in every area of their lives and this is a brilliant and fun way to do it.

“I’m really excited to meet and make friends with all the women involved in making this calendar. Even more than that I’m thrilled to be able to shine a light on the different issues that stop women reaching their full potential and am delighted to be raising money to do something about it!”

Working behind the scenes alongside Tracey to pull the project together, are the Calendar Girls team Amanda Chalmers, of Chalmers News PR, Jane Collier of Visually Virtual Photography and Bianca Rodrigues-Perry of Bia’s Marketing, Production & PR.

Meanwhile, all the featured ladies will gather for photoshoot days at Mallory Court Hotel & Spa in Leamington in the spring ahead of the calendar’s grand reveal at a stylish red carpet screening event at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre later in the year.

Some of the charities set to benefit include Surviving Bereavement Foundation, which delivers bereavement cafes across the area, as well as: Molly Ollys; Coventry, Warwickshire & Worcestershire Mind; Prostate Cancer UK; The Giles Trust; The Esther Project; Teenage Cancer Trust; Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull; Arrive Alive; The Brain Tumour Charity; Netball Aid; Shakespeare Soroptimists; The Luca Foundation; A Child’s Heart; Anthony Nolan Trust; Safeline; Women’s Aid; The Katie Piper Foundation; Birmingham Hospice; The Friendship Project; RSPCA Coventry & District Branch; The Ruth Strauss Foundation; SAM; New Testament Church of God Foodbank.

Just some of the businesses represented include: Suzanna Reid Barreiro da Silva of the Rep Theatre; Suzanne Draper and Tara Robinson of Mallory Court; Alsters Kelley Solicitors; Jamieson Christie Wealth Management; Sue Cressman of Nailcote Hall Hotel & Golf Club; Debbie Hickey of Shipston Jewellers; Elinor Perry of Pentlands Accountants; Paola Spiga of Glam & Glow Beauty Lab; Kirsty Leahy of KLP; Siobhan Rowlands of St James Place and mother and daughter pairings of Ruth and Gillian Bridges of J Roberts SPV Ltd; Pauline Edden and Jo Quigley; and Isabella Moore and Sophie Howe of The Olderpreneur Alliance and Comtec respectively.

Also looking forward to striking a pose is retired Coventry MP Colleen Fletcher OBE and Pat Hemmings, wife of former Drifters star Roy. Joining them are the youngest calendar girls, twins Stacey and Tracey William.

Sponsors interested in getting involved are invited to contact Tracey McAtamney at: tracey@ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk

Ladies First holds monthly meetings which hear from inspirational speakers, provide informative business skills workshops and make new introductions.

The group welcomes members and drop-in guests and is an inclusive network involving women of all backgrounds and cultures regardless of what stage they are at in their business life or career, the only requirement being that you have aspirations and the desire to help other women!

More information can be found HERE.

Local charity appeals for new Ukraine campaign support

Posted on January 13, 2026 by admin

Viktor receives a gift parcel from Pastor Yan Hrosu.

A Coventry-based charity is appealing for the public to get behind its latest campaign efforts to help those left isolated by the latest round of bombings in Ukraine.

The increased attacks, targeting main roads, rail links, and ferries in the southern Budjak region, have led to fuel shortages, as well as panic buying of food, medicines, and other essentials, as the area risks being cut off.

Gavin Kibble, CEO of Feed The Hungry UK, said: “Our partners in Ukraine are facing an urgent and worsening crisis caused by the ongoing war with Russia. The attacks on the southern region of Ukraine, where Izmail is located (the region south of Odessa, bordered by Moldova to the West and Romania to the South), have intensified over the past few months.

“Russia has attempted to isolate that section of Ukraine by bombing and destroying the bridge that acts as the main supply route between that region and the rest of Ukraine.”

Feed The Hungry UK. Ukraine — Children and families gathered around the table during an outreach visit.

The attacks also resulted in a civilian vehicle being struck, killing a mother and injuring three children. While restoration efforts are hoped for, the situation remains fragile and requires urgent attention and support.

Daily electricity is restricted to just two hours due to severe shortages of fuel and resources, leaving families without reliable power, heat, or light in the middle of a harsh winter. Generators are desperately needed, but many communities lack both the equipment and the fuel to run them, while rising fuel and food prices mean fewer supplies are reaching the most vulnerable.

Churches are opening their doors to provide warmth, power, and food, yet they are overwhelmed and under-resourced.

Pastor Yan Hrosu, who runs One Hope Church in Izmail, a city in the Budjak region, has been delivering firewood to vulnerable people living in and around the area.

Viktor: Seventy-four-year-old Viktor and his wife, 71, were displaced from Kherson by the war, and have only $50 each month to live on.

Anna: Lives with her grandson and her daughter and receives a pension of around $70 per month. With this money, she must pay for utilities, food, and cover basic necessities.

Mykhailo: Despite being completely blind, Mykhailo lives on a small pension of just $80 per month after being displaced and is supported with clothing, food, and firewood.

Pastor Yan is in need of immediate financial support, fuel, generators, food, and heating, all of which are essential to help protect vulnerable families and sustain life-saving local aid efforts.

He said: “We want to continue to help elderly individuals, children, and families living in isolated villages with no infrastructure and very limited resources. Many seniors in these villages live completely alone, with no family support and no access to stores or pharmacies. For them, this help is vital for daily survival.

“For many children in remote villages, these gifts are a powerful reminder that they are loved, remembered, and not forgotten. Along with food support, we spend time together, pray, talk, and share the message of the Gospel – bringing warmth, hope, and a sense of family.”

One Hope Church is also supporting the feeding of around 500 people each week using a mobile food truck, which is a lifeline for those struggling to afford the basics. It costs £17 a day in fuel to run the food truck; feeding 60 people each day costs £26 for food. £200 can buy one tonne of firewood and slow-burning briquettes.

For further information or to donate, visit HERE.

Feed The Hungry is an international Christian humanitarian organisation committed to fighting hunger due to poverty, war, famine, and natural disasters. With its partner organisations, Feed The Hungry globally assists in the regular feeding of over 645,000 children in 29 countries.

For more information about Feed The Hungry or to help or donate, visit HERE or call 01455 618 455.

Alcester jeweller crafts bespoke ring worth thousands to support local cause

Posted on January 11, 2026January 12, 2026 by admin

Camilla Jones, jeweller, The Esther Project Gala

Supporters of a fundraising Gala Dinner have the chance to win a bespoke diamond ring worth £4,750 thanks to a local jeweller.

Camilla Jones in Alcester has crafted the one-of-a-kind ring to be raffled off in aid of The Esther Project’s Touch of Pink Gala, which takes place on February 7th. But you don’t have to be there to take part with the raffle going live online today! (Jan 12^th)

At the heart of the elegant 18 carat rose gold ring sits a stunning 1.57 carat natural cushion-cut champagne diamond, complemented by two antique diamonds.

Jeweller Camilla Jones said: “As soon as we heard about the Esther Project, we wanted to find a way to support the amazing work they do.

“We are lucky enough to work with beautiful things every day, and hear so many stories of heartbreak and love, particularly from women. We are so happy to have the opportunity to support this amazing charity and the women they work with.”

The Esther Project was established by Lianne Kirkman in 2023 – her mission, to create a nurturing and empowering community where every woman can heal, grow and reach their future potential. It does this through a range of services, including counselling, one-on-one support, creative activities, employability opportunities, and drop-in sessions.

Esther House – a seven-bed supported living accommodation, opens its doors for vulnerable women who need a safe space to recover.

Lianne said: “On hearing about our inaugural fundraising gala dinner, Camilla has been nothing short of incredible in her support, and we are absolutely in love with this beautifully designed bespoke ring and are thrilled to offer our supporters and wider community the chance to win such a special piece.

The funds raised through the raffle will make a significant difference to the work we do alongside women in the Esther community who are experiencing social or economic disadvantage — supporting access to counselling, therapeutic sessions, trauma-informed courses, and opportunities to rediscover their potential, dreams, and purpose. We cannot wait to announce the lucky recipient of this extraordinary ring on Valentine’s Day.”

The full evening of entertainment, at Kings High School, is being compered by award-winning host and broadcaster Kirsty Leahy of KLP, and includes live music from all-female electric-acoustic trio String Infusion and talented singer songwriter Shanade Morrow. Shanade also leads regular lyric-writing, poetry and singing lessons at The Esther House Monday drop-in sessions.

Also helping to keep the guests entertained throughout the evening will be Angus Baskerville, wowing with his table magic – and DJ James Farmer will see the night out with plenty of dancefloor fillers.

Camilla Jones, jeweller, The Esther Project Gala — **Kirsty Leahy is hosting**

Highlights of the evening also include the chance to get your photo taken wearing the Queen Cape, handmade by the Esther ladies earlier this year and now touring the area to raise awareness. The impressive patchwork is made up of more than 1,000 hand-stitched hearts and flowers and took over six months to complete.

There will also be the chance to see the first showing of an exclusive photographic exhibition by sponsor Karen Massey Photography. The Behind Closed Doors collection aims to create a visual narrative which brings awareness to the lived realities of survivors, while preserving their dignity and truth.

Camilla Jones is also kindly gifting 20 handmade silver heart pendants to the Esther ladies who took park in the photoshoot.

She said: “The pendants we made are meant as a reminder that we all have value and are worthy of love, regardless of the scars that shape us- we deliberately left the rough file marks that shaped them as part of their design.

“We are really honoured to hear that they will be gifted to the amazing women who shared their stories through the photos.”

The Esther Project, gala, Camilla Jones — **The Esther Project was established in 2023**

Other sponsors of the event include The Paul Rigby Group and Pentlands Accountants, Chalmers News PR, The Leader Marketing Partnership in Henley-in-Arden, Bia’s Kitchen Show, Vibe Immersive, Table Art, Box Factory and PSL Lighting.

Tickets cost £99 each or a table of ten for £950, and are available to book via HERE. Further information about sponsorship packages is also available here or by getting in touch with kerry@theestherproject.co.uk.

The ring will be available to view in person, with raffle tickets on sale at the gala but tickets are also sale HERE. The lucky winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day.

Donations can be made to The Esther Project via HERE.