Chamber committee volunteer at hospital charity

The Solihull Chamber of Commerce executive committee recently took part in volunteering at Solihull Hospital’s Oncology department to support their charity of the year, Solihull Hospital Charity.

Over two days 20 volunteers, made up of the committee, colleagues and family, took part in painting the perimeter fence and summer house, weeding the garden and planting plants donated by members, jet washing the path and hanging solar lights around the summer house and seating areas to make the garden a welcoming place for the patients to sit. Committee donations were used to purchase all of the paint and brushes, as well as biscuits to keep everyone’s energy up.

Ruth Fielding, senior sister at Solihull Hospital commented: “We have been so impressed by Solihull Chamber of Commerce dedication to transforming the Chemotherapy Garden. They battled the wind and rain to ensure the garden looks beautiful for the patients and staff.

“The garden now looks bright and cheerful! A perfect place to celebrate the end of a patient’s treatment journey, by ringing the bell.”

Emma-Louise Hewitt, president of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, said: “There has truly been blood, sweat and tears gone into this with a little storm Amy thrown in between. Seeing our executive team, family, friends and colleagues come together, roll up their sleeves, and contribute to something that will bring comfort and joy to others makes me incredibly proud.

“The team’s willingness to get involved, to support the community, and to do it all with such positivity and teamwork truly reflects the values that make the team so special.”

Susie Ankrett, Solihull Chamber of Commerce committee member, said: “It has been an absolute privilege to support the Solihull Hospital’s Charity with the garden revamp. Together with so many colleagues from the Chamber who volunteered to help with this project – we had a terrific amount of fun in planting bright flowers, painting fences and structures as well as cleaning the pathways knowing how worthwhile our efforts were.

“This project is particularly close to my heart. I know how important it is for patients and relatives alike to have a safe and welcoming destination where they can sit and reflect as well as celebrate the completion of treatment by ringing the bell.

“It felt enormously rewarding to see the garden taking shape to provide a comfortable oasis of calm.”