City News

Keen sports enthusiasts are all set and ready to take their place on the starting line for a race round the streets of the city centre.

At the beginning of September, the streets of Birmingham will be alive to the sounds and excitement of a charity Sedan Chair Race.

“It’s all in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital,” explains Bernard Shepherd, Shepherds Solicitors. “They need all the help we can give them. The hospital still has to put together the final £3 million for the country’s first and only Burn Centre for children. At the moment, up to 30 per cent of severely burned children simply don’t get the special attention they need.”

Some of the people already signed up to take part are getting together next Tuesday (8 August) at the studios of BRMB fm. They are holding a Business Breakfast to persuade more friends and colleagues from Birmingham’s business community to sign up.

The fundraising Sedan Chair Race on Friday 1 September is organised by the Variety Club and Birmingham City Council. Key supporters are BRMB and Aston Villa.

“There’s still room for more teams to take part,” adds BRMB presenter Russ Morris. “We’re really pleased to have the chance to work with the Variety Club and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. It’ll be great fun on the day for all the friends and families who come to watch.

“But the more teams we have taking part, the bigger and better the whole thing will be. There are prizes for the fastest team, the team with the most sponsorship… and best of all, the most outrageous theme and fancy dress. We’re going to have a great time.”

For more information on how to take part in the charity Sedan Chair Race, visit www.varietyclubmidlands.org or www.birmingham.gov.uk/sedan, or telephone the Variety Club on 01676 530667.