Birmingham “home from home” receives donation boost

Staff and volunteers at Ronald McDonald House Birmingham received a much-needed and very welcome boost this October – a year’s supply of toilet roll, kitchen roll and blue centrefeed from Midlands-based disposable tissue manufacturer ESP (Essential Supply Products Ltd).

The Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham is a 60 bedroom “home away from home” for families with children being treated at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital.  The House is available to families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and enables families to stay together during difficult times.  The House relies on the goodwill and generosity of volunteers to keep it running efficiently.

ESP was delighted to donate the products to such a worthy cause after a request from Martin Loader.  Martin’s son Chris works for ESP and approached his employers as, during a visit to the House, he had seen on the House’s wish list a need for toilet rolls and kitchen rolls. 

Martin and his family have been using the facilities offered at the House for the past few months while their grandson, Lewis, has been receiving treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.  Lewis was admitted in May 2011 with a brain tumour, which turned out to be malignant cancer called Medulloblastma. Lewis is now undergoing aggressive radiotherapy. Having his family near to him, thanks to Ronald McDonald House Birmingham, has helped enormously says the family.

ESP’s Managing Director, Steve Briggs, says: “It’s so important to remember the benefit that these essential items provide and we were delighted to be able to support such a worthwhile cause.  Every penny the charity saves on purchases allows more money to be directed towards the support of the families and helps them to remain close to their children.”