Molly Olly’s Wishes | Chalmers News PR

Tony, 72, overcomes heart bypass for mammoth fundraising effort

Posted on December 14, 2021December 14, 2021 by admin

A 72-year-old great-grandad who underwent a quadruple heart bypass is pledging to walk ten miles a day throughout 2022 to raise funds for a Warwick children’s charity in its milestone anniversary year.

Tony Cunningham, from Coventry, is hoping to run up a huge total for Molly Olly’s Wishes by completing laps around the city’s Memorial Park, starting at 7am on New Year’s Day.

He’ll be spurred on by the precious memory of his late wife of 47 years who lost her four-month battle with lung cancer in February.

Molly Olly's Wishes, Tony Cunningham, Rachel Ollerenshaw — Tony Cunningham with charity Founder Rachel Ollerenshaw.

It is the latest – but greatest – fundraising challenge for Liverpool-born Tony, who also supported the Alzheimer’s Society six years ago and raised over £1,000 for Cancer Research with a month-long 334-mile walk in the summer.

Tony said: “Four years ago I took part in a team fundraising effort for Molly Olly’s Wishes at Burbidge & Son where I worked and it really resonated with me. It’s such a worthwhile cause and, as a charity, gives children and their families some pleasure in the darkest of times.”

Warwick-based Molly Olly’s Wishes was established following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer and marks its tenth anniversary next year.

The charity supports children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families. It grants wishes, helps with emotional support and it donates therapeutic toys and books to children directly and through hospitals across the UK.

No stranger to the pain of child loss, Tony admits it’s a cause that touches him deeply.

“My wife and I lost twins in my first marriage when I was just 21. One was stillborn and one died in my arms on the way to the hospital. Even though it was 50 years ago that torments me to this day. There’s not a day goes by when I don’t think about that.”

Rachel said: “Tony is truly amazing. To offer to walk 10 miles a day to mark our tenth birthday is no small feat for any age, but to do it at 72 years of age is quite something. Tony will be running 3,650 miles across 2022 in aid of Molly Olly’s and we are so thankful. The money Tony raises will help us to support children who’re going through very tough times with their health.”

To find out all the ways you can donate to Molly Olly’s Wishes, visit here

The walking challenge marks a long-awaited return to fitness for the grandad of 11 and great-grandad of six who underwent lifesaving heart surgery four years ago – and whilst still recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder following an accident.

Tony added: “My health has improved enormously since I started doing the walks so I wanted to keep pushing myself further and further each time. The kids think I’m completely bonkers and keep asking if I really ought to be doing this, but I’m determined to give it my best shot.”

And he is sure his beloved Jackie will be with him in spirit every step of the way.

“Some time ago I asked if I could put Jackie’s ashes in the rose garden at the Memorial Park but didn’t hear anything back from the council so I ended up putting them on my parents’ grave. But regularly when I walk past the rose garden on my training sessions I keep seeing someone in my peripheral vision and when I turn around there is no one there. So I know she is with me in spirit. She would probably call me a nutter. But I think she would be proud of me. She would have been there shouting me on,” added Tony.

Molly Olly's Wishes, Rachel Ollerenshaw — Lord Mayor of Coventry Cllr John McNicholas will see Tony off on the first morning.

Tony’s fundraising has already attracted the support of local councillors, some of whom have pledged to join him at the start of his walk at The Memorial Park at 8am on New Year’s Day. He will officially be seen off by The Lord Mayor of Coventry Cllr John McNicholas.

Cllr McNicholas said: “Many of us have tackled a 10-mile walk for charity, but to do one every day for a year will be a real test of physical and mental stamina and it deserves our support.

“I am sure Tony will become a familiar figure as he clocks up the miles around the Memorial Park, so we can all cheer him on and let him know how grateful we are for the effort he’s making to help young children who are going through so much. Molly Olly’s Wishes is a tremendous charity.

“I wish Tony well, and I look forward to seeing him throughout the year.”

Among those offering to keep him company for parts of the walk are Earlsdon Councillors Dr Kindy Sandhu and Becky Gittins. Cllr Gittins said: “It is great to see Tony so passionate about raising money for Molly Olly’s Wishes. He is really challenging himself physically to raise as much money as he can for such a worthy cause. I hope people will give what they can to support him and improve the lives of seriously ill children in our area!”

Cllr Sandhu added: “This is a such great endeavour by Tony. His passion and desire to walk ten miles a day every day throughout 2022 to raise funds for Molly Olly’s Wishes is both humbling and inspiring. Our support for this important fundraising effort is the true legacy of Molly which lives through every step that Tony takes.”

To sponsor Tony visit here

ABOUT MOLLY OLLY’S WISHES:

Molly Olly’s Wishes was set up following the experiences of Molly over the 5 years she received treatment for kidney cancer at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Throughout the 10 years that the charity has been running, it has:-

granted more than 2,100 wishes
supported more than 15,000 children
distributed more than 12,000 Olly The Brave books to more than 70 hospitals
raised more than £3 million

Between 2017 and 2020, the charity funded Birmingham’s first paediatric palliative consultant as there was no such consultant for the region. That position has now become permanent and is currently funded through the NHS.

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.

‘Fun-draising’ boosts children’s charity coffers

Posted on November 16, 2021 by admin

PEDALO power, pumpkins and bananas were among the wide range of fundraising themes resulting in donations of more than £2,600 to a Warwick children’s charity.

Leamington Morrisons community champion Alex Pearson and her friend Emma Brayne from Warwick were joined by Alex’s two canine companions as they travelled almost 12km – and negotiated 27 locks – in a pedalo, raising £1,922 for Molly Olly’s Wishes.

The pair completed weeks of training to prepare for the eight-hour challenge, from Radford Semele to at Hatton Locks, in July.

Their efforts, which had the support of Leamington Boats and The Canal River Trust, were boosted with fundraising outside Morrisons in Leamington and match-funded by the store.

Molly Olly's Wishes, fundraising, Morrisons — From left: Pedalo fundraisers Emma Brayne and Alex Pearson with Olly The Brave and Rachel Ollerenshaw.

Alex said: “Last Christmas I was looking for a new charity to work with. I knew what Molly Olly’s do is just amazing. The idea of a pedalo was just me thinking outside the box.

“Loads of people do runs and walks so I wanted to be different and seeing a pedalo on the Grand Union Canal is just that. Having Archie and Chester with me is just another great thing to have as both of them help with fundraising for charities where they can.

“As Molly Olly’s is celebrating 10 years it would be amazing do something for this milestone. I have my thinking cap on as we speak.”

Other local businesses have also been busy, including The Edwards Company in Wombourne which has presented £400 through a series of fun fundraising initiatives including Halloween competitions, guess the bananas in the jar competition, donating £1 every time they write a blog, and supporting the ‘O For Olly’ social media campaign.

Elsewhere, The Deli in Warwick has raised £100 by running a pumpkin carving competition and The Marketing Pod in Solihull – which is an integrated marketing agency – has donated £200, after learning of the valuable work the charity does.

Molly Olly’s Wishes was established in 2011 following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

The Warwick-based charity supports children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses and their families. It gives gifts, helps with emotional support and it donates therapeutic toys and books to children directly and through hospitals across the UK.

Founder Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “It is just amazing for us to have such proactive supporters. From a pedalo challenge to Halloween competitions and guessing how many bananas are in a jar! What a plethora of creative ideas and ways to raise funds.

“That money will allow us at Molly Olly’s to make lots of very poorly children smile with a wonderful gift that they or their family have chosen. We are very grateful to Morrisons Leamington, the Edwards Company, the deli Warwick and The Marketing Pod.”

To find out all the ways you can donate to Molly Olly’s Wishes, please visit https://www.mollyolly.co.uk/learn-about-donating/

Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw with the familiar Molly Olly’s pink van.

ABOUT MOLLY OLLY’S WISHES

granted more than 2,100 wishes
supported more than 16,000 children
distributed more than 12,000 Olly The Brave books to more than 70 hospitals
raised more than £3 million

The charity is well-known for its therapeutic toy lion, Olly The Brave, which has its own Hickman line and a detachable mane. The soft toy helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy. These form part of an Olly The Brave pack which includes a six-part book series. For more info, please visit www.mollyolly.co.uk

Children’s charity golf day raises more than £26k

Posted on October 6, 2021 by admin

A golf day organised in aid of Warwickshire children’s charity Molly Olly’s Wishes, which supports children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses, has raised an incredible £26,252.

Jointly organised and sponsored by Nottingham companies, Oakland International (which also has a site in Redditch) and Avanti Print and Packaging, 17-teams from across England, Scotland and Wales took part despite the challenging weather to compete for golf titles including Beat the Pro, Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin.

Molly Olly's Wishes, Oakland International, golf — One of the teams made up of, *from left,* Jacob Fenwick, Ben Ollerenshaw, Henry Silk and Will Neal.

The event took place at the Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club and was followed by an evening auction and raffle of items donated by suppliers and supporters of the charity.

Molly Olly’s grants wishes, helps with emotional support and donates therapeutic toys and books to children directly and through hospitals across the UK. It grants around 40 wishes per month, an increase of 100% during lockdown, and at a time when funding has significantly reduced.

Charity co-founder Rachel Ollerenshaw said; “The golf day and auction were a huge success. We are extremely grateful to Jane, Lee, Paul and Holly at Oakland and Avanti for organising such a great day and helping to widen the reach of the charity with introductions to a new audience. All the golfers were very generous and big thanks to all the sponsors. Molly Olly’s has seen a sharp rise in the number of requests for support and the funds raised are much needed to enable us to fulfil those wishes which help to put a smile on poorly children’s faces.”

Molly Olly's Wishes, Oakland International, golf, charity

Oakland’s Chief Operating Officer Lee Whiting commented: “Molly Olly’s Wishes is an amazing charity which supports so many ill children throughout the UK. We would like to thank everyone who joined us and supported this, our first ever joint event of this nature, which we are now going to make into an annual event, setting our fundraising target even higher next year!”

Like so many other charities Molly Olly’s Wishes has found it difficult to fundraise over the last year due to the pandemic. An average wish costs around £500 and can range from a family day trip to a computer game to supermarket food vouchers.

To find out all the ways you can donate to Molly Olly’s Wishes, please visit here

Molly Olly's Wishes, Oakland International, golf, charity

ABOUT MOLLY OLLY’S WISHES:

Molly Olly’s Wishes was set up following the experiences of Molly over the five years she received treatment for kidney cancer at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Throughout the 10 years that the charity has been running, it has:-

granted more than 2,100 wishes
supported more than 15,000 children
distributed more than 12,000 Olly The Brave books to more than 70 hospitals
raised more than £3 million

Emotional messages take to the skies to mark release of charity record

Posted on September 9, 2021September 9, 2021 by admin

RELATIVES grieving the loss of a loved one were among those gathered for the poignant launch of a charity single by Coventry’s MOBO Award-nominated musician Sandra Godley.

My Darling, Sandra Godley, Surviving Bereavement, Molly Olly's Wishes, Coventry & Warwickshire MIND, balloons release — Releasing the balloons in memory of lost loved ones at The Telegraph Hotel Rooftop Bar..

National Grief Awareness Day on Monday (August 30^th) marked the release of My Darling which is raising funds and awareness for three local charities in the wake of the pandemic – Surviving Bereavement, Molly Olly’s Wishes and Coventry and Warwickshire Mind.

In collaboration with Surviving Bereavement Founder Tracey McAtamney from Balsall Common, the event included a minute’s silence and the release of 100 white balloons bearing emotional messages, from the roof of The Telegraph Hotel in Coventry.

My Darling, Surviving Bereavement, Molly Olly's Wishes, Coventry & Warwickshire Mind, loss, balloons launch — Musicians Sandra Godley and Roy Hemmings.

Specially invited guests included Roy Hemmings, formerly of The Drifters, who lost his brother Neville in April last year. My Darling will be played at a memorial for Neville in Birmingham tomorrow. (Friday Sept 10th)

Also releasing a balloon, in memory of her daughter Emelia, was Jessica Weeks and her family, from Coventry. Emelia’s died in 2017 less than one hour after being born with spina bifida and anencephaly. Jessica went on to establish Hannah’s House, a charity which provides support after the loss of a sibling to neonatal death, miscarriage and stillbirth. (See accompanying Case Study here)

My Darling is a particularly heartfelt piece of work for the Bristol-born musician, Sandra, who is still grieving the loss of her own aunt to the virus in April last year.

She said following the launch: “I am delighted that the song ‘My Darling’ is now finally released. I’ve been carrying the words of the song for over a year now.

“It was such an incredible time to be amongst friends and family on a very special day, Grief Awareness Day. Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen. Special thanks to Matt Cossey for producing the track. I now want to encourage everyone to give what they can to the fundraising page to help spread the message of hope and I know the three charities involved will be very grateful for all donations received.”

Those who would like to donate more can now also visit a new fundraising page here

And My Darling is available to download for 79p from any of these outlets

Tracey McAtamney said: “The launch of My Darling and release of the biodegradable memory balloons could not have gone better despite it being a bank holiday Monday – people came out to remember their loved ones. It felt very personal, moving and heartfelt, especially during the one-minute silence, a time for reflection before the balloon release.

“The song is beautiful and I know is touching many. We are hoping that people will continue to download the song for just 79p or donate to the JustGiving page. All monies raised will be in support of those struggling with grief.”

With four successful albums and a clutch of awards to her name, Sandra’s proudest musical career highlights include singing in The House of Commons as well as creating and performing The Big Love Song as a wedding gift for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, joined by a choir of mental health ambassadors on BBC’s The One Show, in 2018.

My Darling marks a departure from Sandra’s usual soul and gospel style, instead following more contemporary musical influences to appeal to a wider audience impacted by Covid or otherwise-related loss.

The single’s producer Matt Cossey said: “Coming off the back of a global pandemic, this track has been really meaningful to work on, but also a real privilege. Trying to simultaneously capture the sound of grief and hope was a particularly interesting and poignant challenge, but I think we have managed it! I hope the track raises a lot of profits and awareness for the charities.”

Through the work of The Surviving Bereavement Foundation, Tracey McAtamney has helped many others through their journey with grief by offering legal and financial advice as well as practical and emotional support.

Tracey, from Balsall Common, established the Foundation 16 years after herself being widowed with two sons at the age of just 38. Her husband Tony had died suddenly in his hotel room while on a golfing holiday in Spain.

As part of the Foundation’s growth, she recently qualified as a Grief Recovery Specialist and the past year has also seen a huge rise in demand for her personalised Memory Boxes, which contain specially chosen items that celebrate the life of a lost loved one.

The record, which has been produced by Matt Cossey of The Nexus Institute of Creative Arts in Coventry, is being funded by an anonymous sponsor and supported by Alsters Kelley Solicitors.

Some of the proceeds will also benefit Warwick-based charity Molly Olly’s Wishes and local mental health charity Coventry and Warwickshire Mind.

Molly Olly’s Wishes was established in 2011 following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

It works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing as well as grant wishes and donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

Mascot of the charity is a therapeutic toy lion called Olly The Brave who 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 40 hospitals, along with a book from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave series.

Rachel said: “The launch of My Darling was a very special and poignant day. It is a beautiful song and the emotion behind it really highlights the importance and significance of being aware of the challenges that grieving families face. Molly Olly’s are extremely grateful for the support and thank you to Sandra, Tracey and everyone who was involved for including Molly Olly’s in this project. Funds raised will help us to support families at the saddest of times.”

Local mental health charity, Coventry and Warwickshire Mind is part of the national Mind organisation – delivering services and support for people with mental health problems for over 50 years.

Recognising the importance of listening to, and working with, people who have experienced mental health issues, the charity aims to provide support for those who live with and recover from a mental health problem. This can mean providing access to information, a listening ear, or providing more specialist support and services.

Steven Hill, CEO Coventry and Warwickshire Mind, also attended the launch. He said: “It was a pleasure to be a part of the event for ‘My Darling’ – a poignant song about the loss faced by many of us over the past 18 months and highlighting its detrimental impact on our mental health.

“We’re honoured to be one of the charities chosen by Sandra Godley. The money raised will enable us to continue our work – ensuring that no-one faces a mental health problem on their own.”

Watch the music video for My Darling here

My Darling, Surviving Berevement, Molly Olly's Wishes, Coventry & Warwickshire Mind, loss, balloons release

Contacting the charities:

Further information about Surviving Bereavement or how to donate can be found here

Further information about Molly Olly’s Wishes or how to donate can be found here

Further information about Coventry and Warwickshire Mind or how to donate can be found here

For more information about Hannah’s House visit here Donations can be made here

Community gets behind ‘fun-draising’ day for charities

Posted on September 8, 2021September 8, 2021 by admin

Hatton Park Fun Day, Molly Olly's Wishes, Warwickshire Domestic Violence Servive — Some of the organising committee: Jane Robbins, Jolande Hancock, Lou Simpson, Stuart Kettell, Rachel Ollerenshaw, Jennie Long and Jason Sammon. *Photo by Victoria Jane Photography.*

FUN and fundraising were the order of the day at Hatton Park in Warwick on Sunday.

The community event, rescheduled from earlier in the summer due to Covid-19, has been hailed a huge success by the organisers who have raised more than £1,200 for two charities – Molly Olly’s Wishes and Warwickshire Domestic Abuse Service.

The Fun Day consisted of stalls, BBQ, bar, live music, WI Bake Off and competitive events and was the brainchild of local resident Jane Robbins who enlisted the help of friends and neighbours.

Jane, who runs an events business JR Promotions, said: “The idea came to me one day during one of my lockdown walks around the estate. Bored with the complete lack of events work, I thought wouldn’t it be nice, when restrictions are lifted, for residents, rather than just nodding and saying hello as the passed, to have an opportunity to socialise properly with their neighbours.

“We’re so glad we put out requests on social media for the extra pairs of hands to help on the stalls and the bar as we had over 400 people, of all ages, popping in throughout the day. It really did have a very friendly, happy feel and we were really pleased with how it all went and the support we received.”

The WI Bake Off was a huge success. *Photo by Victoria Jane Photography.*

Molly Olly’s Wishes was established by Hatton Park’s Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw in 2011 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 grant wishes and donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

Issy Foyle, 12, on her handmade jewellery stall. *Photo by Victoria Jane Photography.*

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

Mascot is a therapeutic toy lion called Olly The Brave who 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 40 hospitals, along with a book from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave six-part series.

This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the charity which, last October, moved into its first dedicated town centre premises, in Warwick – the month in which Molly would have turned 18.

Further information about Molly Olly’s Wishes or how to donate can be found at: www.mollyolly.co.uk

Rachel, who also ran a charity stall, said: “Community has been so important during the pandemic and it was lovely to finally be able to have a Hatton park Fun Day and give everyone the opportunity to meet up.

“It was a good opportunity to raise awareness and funds. The weather was kind and everyone who joined us had a fun day and there was something for all ages. A big thankyou to the organisers.

“Molly Olly’s are feeling the effects of the pandemic more this year than last year and donations are down considerably (approximately 30%) at a time when we have seen a large increase (almost 20%) in the requests for support. The charity has received over 370 wishes over the past year and relies on the support of businesses and individuals to ensure we can continue our services.

Ivy Pielow, 5, and Arthur Pielow, 7, Livy Kettell, 6, Grace Kettell, 8. *Photo by Victoria Jane Photography.*

“We work closely with the local community nursing teams and together we can help make a very real difference at extremely challenging times. Help can be provided in many different ways and we encourage you to come and meet us and find out more about our work and how you can help support children with life threatening illnesses.”

Half of the proceeds will also benefit the Hatton Park WI-nominated charity Warwickshire Domestic Abuse Service which provides county-wide support to women, men and children experiencing domestic violence.

Kayla-Rose, 7, and her brother Matthew, 11

Brothers Connor 9 & Ewan 5 with an Olly The Brave

Singer Mark Cooper entertains the crowds. Photos by Victoria Jane Photography.

It is a branch of Refuge – the country’s largest provider of specialist support – also offering refuge accommodation, independent domestic violence advocacy, outreach support and drop-in services.

Lynda Jackson, of Hatton Park WI, said: “We chose this charity to benefit after a number of us went and saw a play a few years ago that focused on the ill treatment of women, so it’s close to our hearts.”

For further information visit: https://www.refuge.org.uk/our-work/our-services/refuge-warwickshire-domestic-violence-service/