Help us to help sick children

Mar 26 2007 By Alison Dayani, Birmingham Mail

BATTLING tots like tiny Madeleine Winstanley are just some of the recipients that kind-hearted Brummies have helped through the city's adventurous Run For Home event.

The seven-week-old baby at Birmingham Children's Hospital has an even better chance of surviving thanks to the thousands of pounds donated to the neo-natal cardiac unit.

More than £155,000 of the £1.1million raised through Heart fm's fun day have gone to support tots at the Children's Hospital since its launch in 1997.

And as Heart fm bosses today revealed the latest Run For Home would take place on July 22, they said there was still plenty more cash on offer for Midland charities, large or small, that help babies, toddlers or new mothers.

They want charities to apply for the money, with every single penny staying within the region to help the community.

"Although hundreds of local charities have benefited greatly over the last ten years, Heart fm has funds they would like to see go to deserving causes and are asking those who qualify to apply," said Vikki Webb, Heart spokeswoman.

"The types of organisations that can benefit are hospitals, nurseries, hospices, play groups and hospices, but they must be in the West Midlands.

"Charities that specialise in mental and physical disabilities, education, and pregnancy, unborn and birth related trusts could also get assistance."

Dozens of businesses join in the Run For Home fun every year when teams of four are taken to a mystery location up to 100 miles away. Their challenge is to make their way back to Warwickshire County Cricket Club, in Edgbaston, without spending any money - and the wackier they way, the better.

Charities applying for money which operate within the West Midlands and fit the criteria should contact Helena Taylor at helena.taylor@ chrysalis.com for an application form.

For information on how to enter this year's event, email runforhome @heartfm.co.uk