David Hatton

Adventurous fundraisers are being sought to climb a London landmark in aid of a West Midlands charity. Smile for Joel is searching for individuals to sign up to climb the 52m O2 Arena in May. The charity was formed by Suzy Evans and her son Owen after the 2015 Tunisian terror attack, where three members of of their family were killed. Smile for Joel provides support for families affected by murder and terrorism and raises awareness for safe travel abroad – recently through its official partnership with the government Travel Aware scheme – as well as supporting the UK’s counter-terrorism […]

The Buddy Bag Foundation, a West Midlands charity that helps children entering emergency accommodation as they flee domestic violence, will receive one of the final awards approved by Queen Elizabeth II at a special ceremony this month. The Buddy Bag Foundation will receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest possible honour bestowed on local charities, equivalent to an MBE. CEO and co-founder, Karen Williams OBE, said: “The pride I feel for the recognition of our volunteers is immense, that hasn’t changed but now there is an awareness that we are also a part of a chapter in the