A loving group of friends have been awarded this week’s Charity Champion after raising over £5,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity in memory of their friend, who sadly passed away last year. 

Jamie Payne passed away suddenly at the age of 34. His wife, Hannah Payne, and his family and friends were inspired to fundraise in his honour. 

Jamie had Hyper IgE Syndrome, and was treated at Birmingham Children’s Hospital until he was transferred to The Heartlands Hospital at age 18. 

A keen fundraiser himself, he wanted to thank the children’s hospital for the care he received when he was younger by arranging a 31-hour roller hockey match, where he raised over £4,000 for the charity.   

Following in his footsteps, Team Toad have recently taken on a Mud Run raising an incredible £5,421.00 for the charity. Reflecting on the day, Hannah said: “We were overwhelmed with how generous friends, family and colleagues were and so many people came out to cheer us on. 

“Jamie was always great at getting a crowd together and would have loved watching us all crawling through the mud. Some of the team really stepped out of their comfort zone to support Jamie’s cause and everyone was smiling and laughing throughout the day.  

“Jamie was treated at the hospital as a child and spoke very highly of the treatment he and his family received and how they supported him in having a normal childhood. We wanted to follow in Jamie’s footsteps and continue fundraising for his legacy.”

Miranda Williams, Public Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, added: “It’s inspirational to hear how Team Toad have supported our charity in honour of Jamie, and we’re incredibly grateful to Hannah and the rest of the team for taking on such a difficult task to raise vital funds.

“We treat over 90,000 children and young people from across the country every year, and the money Team Toad have raised will make a huge difference to the lives of our brave young children and their families all across our hospital.”

For more information about Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, email [email protected] or call 0121 333 8506.