Goodyear Dunlop raise cash to build new playground at Birmingham Children's Hospital
Nov 11 2008 By Alison Dayani, Birmingham Mail
TYRELESS efforts by workers at Birmingham’s Goodyear Dunlop plant has seen a new playground open for young mental health patients at the city’s children’s hospital.
The Birmingham tyre company pledged to raise £50,000 for the play area within the Steelhouse Lane hospital for patients from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) wards.
The specialist area has now opened and is already being used by thrilled children, who often get fed up stuck on wards.
But staff and bosses at Goodyear are still fundraising to reach their target with £50,000 more to bring in.
Mark Brickhill, Goodyear’s managing director, said: “The play area looks wonderful and it’s great to finally see it being enjoyed by the patients.
“Family safety and innovation are at the heart of our business and so there is a natural affiliation between us and the development of a play area for the CAMHS patients.
“Since making the commitment six months ago, Goodyear associates have undertaken a variety of activities in order to reach the extraordinary target, and I have been extremely impressed by their dedication.
Just recently our very own Wingfoot Warriors, made up of 12 Goodyear associates, cycled from Fort Dunlop in Erdington to the Eiffel Tower. Covering over 320 miles they raised a staggering £9,000.
“After speaking with some of the children and hearing how much they are enjoying the new space, I’m sure that all at Goodyear will be spurred on to reach our final £50,000.”
Other fundraising activities included a marathon tyre roll around Birmingham’s canals and a charity golf day.
Birmingham Children’s Hospital chairman Jo Davis said: “The commitment by Goodyear to raise this money has enabled us to have the play area constructed much sooner than had we attempted to raise the funds ourselves.
“Physical play is important to the development of all children.
“Those living with a mental illness need the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and let of steam just as much as the next child, but their conditions can sometimes leave them feeling anxious and wary amongst strangers.
“This donation will make a huge difference.”
