Birmingham Hospice announced as Chamber employees’ chosen charity  

The employees of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) have elected Birmingham Hospice as their chosen charity for the 2026/27. 

Birmingham Hospice is the main provider of adult hospice care for Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Sandwell, and provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care for around 670 people each day at hospice sites, in the community or in patients’ own homes. 

More than 50 employees voted for Birmingham Hospice where the GBCC Environmental Social & Governance Group (ESG) will take the initiative to raise vital funds through organising various events. 

Last year, Chamber staff raised over £1,000 for Cash4Kids – a charity that improves the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in communities who are affected by poverty. 

Some of the fundraising activities included a Chamber run, an honesty tuckbox, and employee raffles. These were organised by the GBCC Environmental Social & Governance Group (ESG). 

GBCC employees will also be fundraising by competing in the Birmingham Hospice’s Dragon Boat race next month. 

Paul Bytheway, chief executive of Birmingham Hospice said: "We are delighted that employees of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce have chosen us as their preferred charity for 2026/2027 - this is a wonderful recognition for our hospice and the many hundreds of people we care for every year. 

“Birmingham Hospice supports people at the end of their lives or living with life-limiting illness, as well as their loved ones. From expert palliative and end of life care to community support and wellbeing services, everything we do is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves dignity and compassion when it matters most. 

“As a charity, fundraising and awareness raising are essential to what we do. This year, we estimate it could cost £20 million to run Birmingham Hospice. We need to raise £8 million through fundraising activity, income from our shops and voluntary donations to cover the costs of running our charity. 

"Partnering with the Chamber gives us a unique opportunity to connect with local businesses who share our values, and together we can raise both vital funds and greater awareness of the work we do.  

“The support of the business community will make a very real difference to the patients and families we are privileged to serve.” 

Kate Warnaby, GBCC office manager and chair of ESG Group, said: “I’m really proud that we as a team, have chosen Birmingham Hospice as our charity of the year.  

“We’re looking forward to working closely with them over the coming year, raising both vital funds and awareness, while supporting the incredible work they do for people and families across our region.” 

Pictured from left to right: Lucy Witchell, staff nurse of Living Well Centre with patient Sharon Noakes.