Three Midlands charities who help seriously ill children, families and people with mental health issues are set to benefit from a security firm’s largest ever fundraising drive.

MAN Commercial Protection wanted to mark its 30th anniversary by giving back to the communities it operates in and has raised over £20,000 to be shared primarily across Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Hope House Children’s Hospice and Walk Talk Action.

The Shirley-based company, which provides security guarding to a range of high-profile clients and events across the UK , encouraged all of its 1800 members of staff to take part in the activities, which included climbing Snowdon in Wales, hosting special pool tournaments, cake sales and a series of events where suppliers and customers pledged funds.

Iain McCallister, CEO, commented: “We have always been big supporters of charities, especially those that have a personal connection to MAN and our staff.

“Our 30th year in business seemed the perfect opportunity to try to do something really special and complete our largest ever fundraise – something we have achieved by raising £20,000 across three fantastic organisations that do so much for children, families and individuals.

“Birmingham Children’s Hospital needs no introduction, and we have also seen firsthand the amazing work Walk Talk Action and Hope House Children’s Hospice do in the communities they support. The money we have raised through the efforts of our employees, our suppliers and our clients will make such a difference to hundreds of people.”

Walk Talk Action, which was founded by Teri Elder in 2018, provides a safe space for people who are struggling with their mental health, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, isolation, midlife crisis and armed forces veterans returning to normal life after service.

In the last twelve months, more than 1800 people have been supported through community groups, ‘Tea and Toast’, its flagship Ten Step Programme and community walks to help individuals return to a better state of mind.

Teri picked up the story: “The £7,000 donation from MAN Commercial Protection is incredible and will help us buy a lot more resources for the Ten Step Programme, it will improve our retreat space and ensure we can continue to hold our important community events.

“Each person has a different goal, and we help them reach it, whether it is making new friends to wing walking! It’s all about helping individuals at a low point of their lives to move into a better place.”

Hope House Children’s Hospice was also delighted with the contribution from MAN Commercial Protection.

The charity operates two hospices in Oswestry and Conwy, providing specialist nursing care and support to children who live in Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales.

Its purpose is to give every local child with a life-threatening condition and their family access to professional care that improves their quality of life from the point of diagnosis, including respite care, crisis care, bereavement support, counselling and sibling support.

“The families we support often refer to us as their lifeline. Without donations like this one from MAN we couldn’t be there for local children and their families in their time of need, added Dawn Bell, Area Fundrasing for Hope House Children’s Hospice.

In addition to supporting the three main charities, MAN Commercial Protection continues to provide funding for other good causes, with local children’s football clubs Coldland Colts and Lane Head Dynamos all receiving donations from the Solihull-based company.

For further information, please visit the website or follow the company across its social media channels.