'Changemakers ' pledge to transform lives of sick children

Some of the region 's top business leaders and companies are joining forces to transform the lives of sick kids at Birmingham Children 's Hospital.

And the influential group known as Changemakers - which includes executives from Gymshark, Schumacher Packaging, Pertemps and Azets - have already pledged £385,000 to fund much-needed equipment.

Steve Hewitt, founder of Whanau Advisory and non-executive director at Gymshark, Sir Peter Rigby, Founder of the Rigby Group and The Rigby Foundation are just some of the well-known names who have formed the visionary Changemakers network for Birmingham Children 's Hospital Charity.

In the first year, the Changemakers have committed to support the charity 's latest fundraising appeal, to bring an intraoperative MRI (iMRI) scanner to the hospital, supporting patients in need of brain tumour or epilepsy surgery at the hospital.

Birmingham Children 's Hospital is home to one of the largest paediatric neurosurgical centres in the UK, but it is the only one without an iMRI scanner.

The charity 's £1.5m iMRI Appeal will bring this state-of-the-art technology to patients, with Changemakers already pledging £387,500.

The Changemakers are able to join the group as Pioneers, Partners and Members, with a tiered investment level and three-year, two-year and one-year commitment respectively.

In addition to helping the hospital invest in state-of-the art, life-saving equipment, the Changemakers will also support the creation of inspiring child friendly spaces to make the hospital feel less daunting for kids of all ages.

Mark Brider, CEO of Birmingham Children 's Hospital Charity, said: “We are delighted to have brought together this group of philanthropists, leaders and businesses who have a shared passion for making a positive impact on the younger generation.

“With their collective business experience, resources and extensive networks, we know we can drive more pioneering projects at our hospital, which will further support our brilliant team of doctors and nurses as they care for over 90,000 young patients every year. ”

Other Changemakers include the Francis family, led by Gymshark founder and CEO Ben Francis, and other Midlands businesses, including Redbrain, DSM Demolition, Thomas Franks Ltd and the family of adi Group CEO Alan Lusty.

Find out more about how to become a Changemaker. Learn more about the £1.5m iMRI Appeal.