An inspirational retired police officer from Bromsgrove has been named this week’s Charity Champion after raising over £600 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

72-year-old John Ikin turned his woodturning hobby into a fundraiser after his Christmas decorations began gaining popularity with his friends and family.

John has been woodturning in his spare time and decided to start fundraising for the hospital a few Christmases ago. He said: “I am lucky that my family has no personal connection to the children’s hospital. My children and grandchildren have never needed treatment but we understand how lucky we are to have the world-class hospital on our doorstep.

“I know the money I have donated will go on to make a real difference to the families using the hospital, and that is a hugely rewarding feeling.”   

John creates a range of wooden gifts including little Santa’s, Christmas trees, snowmen, penguins and more. He has sold more than 240 to reach his total.

Serena Daw, Public Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “John is a huge inspiration to us all. Having given his work life to the community as a police officer for X years, and now still helping others through fundraising in his retirement, he really is one of a kind. The  Christmas decorations are a huge hit, and his fundraising total has increased every year from £100 in 2016 to a fantastic £300 last Christmas in 2018.

“Our hospital treats over 90,000 children and young people from across the country every year, and the money John has raised will make a huge difference, ensuring we can offer them the best possible experience while they are with us. A huge thank you to John and everyone who bought one of his Christmas decorations.”

 

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