Community News 1 - What's On In Sutton Coldfield

St Giles Hospice Fundraiser Represents West Midlands at Pride of Britain Awards

A remarkable fundraiser who dribbled a football more than 2,000 miles from Morocco to the Midlands has represented the West Midlands at the prestigious Pride of Britain Awards.

Football coach James Lewis attended the national ceremony in London after being named the region’s Fundraiser of the Year.

His extraordinary fundraising achievements have helped raise more than £129,000 for St Giles Hospice, making him the charity’s biggest individual fundraiser.

An incredible journey for St Giles

James completed an 86-day challenge, travelling from Morocco to the Midlands while dribbling a football.

The journey was undertaken in memory of his father, who received care from St Giles Hospice when James was just 11 years old.

The challenge attracted considerable attention and support, helping James raise substantial funds for the hospice.

His fundraising page has now reached £75,680 for the challenge alone, while his lifetime fundraising total has exceeded £129,000.

The achievement earned him the West Midlands Fundraiser of the Year title in September and a place among 17 finalists competing for the national award.

Representing the region in London

James attended the Pride of Britain Awards ceremony at Grosvenor House in London, accompanied by St Giles Hospice events manager Sam Colclough.

Although the overall Fundraiser of the Year award went to 85-year-old Barry Walden from Hull, James’s selection among the national finalists was a significant recognition of his dedication.

Barry received the national honour in recognition of 65 years spent raising money for charities through his singing.

For James, the evening provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of fundraisers from across the country.

A proud moment for St Giles Hospice

St Giles Hospice Chief Executive Elinor Eustace welcomed James’s achievement and the recognition it brought to the charity.

His fundraising has made a substantial contribution to the hospice, which provides specialist care and support to people and families facing serious illness.

The challenge has also inspired young people, with James sharing his experiences in schools.

His determination, commitment and willingness to undertake such an extraordinary journey have made him an outstanding ambassador for the charity.

Pride of Britain television broadcast

The Pride of Britain Awards ceremony will be shown on ITV1 and ITVX on Thursday 22 October 2026 at 8pm.

For supporters of St Giles Hospice, it will be another opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of a fundraiser whose efforts have made such a difference.

James may not have taken home the overall national award, but his journey from Morocco to the Midlands has already secured something equally important: lasting support and recognition for a charity close to his heart.

Murder Investigation Launched Following Fatal Stabbing in Sutton Coldfield

West Midlands Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in his twenties after a stabbing in Sutton Coldfield.

Emergency services were called to the car park of the Beggars Bush pub on Chester Road shortly before 2am on Sunday 11 October 2026.

Despite efforts to save him, the man sadly died.

Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have CCTV, dashcam or mobile-phone footage that could assist their enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police, quoting log 345 of 11 October 2026.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Source: West Midlands Police

Photo credit: Beggars Bush / Official Website.

Buck’s Bridge: A New Chapter in the Restoration of Lichfield Canal

A new lift bridge on the Lichfield Canal has officially been named in honour of the man who helped design it, marking another important milestone in the ambitious project to restore the city’s historic waterway.

The Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (LHCRT) has celebrated the opening of Buck’s Bridge at Gallows Reach, off Tamworth Road, with former trustee and bridge designer Peter Buck unveiling the nameplate.

The ceremony recognised Peter’s contribution to the restoration project and the dedication of the volunteers, engineers and supporters who have helped turn the plans into reality.

A Bridge Built Through Community Support

Installed in April 2026, the new lift bridge provides a safe crossing over the canal route, maintaining the public right of way between Longbridge Road and Tamworth Road.

When the restored canal becomes navigable, the bridge will be able to lift to allow boats to pass beneath it.

The project was made possible through generous community support, including £39,000 raised during the Trust’s Big Give Christmas Challenge in 2022 and a further £21,000 donated through the legacy of a local supporter.

Specialist engineering company ProMack Ltd carried out the installation, supported by groundwork from Walsh Construction and the efforts of LHCRT volunteers.

Restoring a Piece of Lichfield’s Heritage

Buck’s Bridge forms part of the wider Gallows Reach restoration project, which aims to reconnect sections of the historic Lichfield Canal.

The scheme includes approximately 650 metres of restored canal channel between London Road and Borrowcop Locks Canal Park, a new lock near Cricket Lane, improved pedestrian access and additional landscaping.

Work is being undertaken in stages, with volunteers playing a central role in bringing the waterway back to life.

The restoration also aims to enhance the surrounding environment through new planting, improved habitats and opportunities for residents to enjoy the canal corridor.

A Lasting Tribute

Naming the bridge after Peter Buck recognises both his engineering contribution and the years of commitment behind the canal’s revival.

For the Trust and its supporters, the new crossing represents far more than a practical piece of infrastructure. It is another visible sign of progress towards the long-term ambition of bringing boats back to Lichfield.

With further restoration work planned over the coming years, Buck’s Bridge will stand as a lasting reminder of what community determination, technical expertise and volunteer dedication can achieve.

Find out more: Visit the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust for restoration updates, volunteering opportunities and ways to support the project.

Published: 12 October 2026 | What’s On in Sutton Coldfield, incorporating What’s On in Lichfield & Tamworth.

Photographs courtesy of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (LHCRT).

🏃‍♀️ Lichfield Runners Raise Nearly £30,000 for Kids’ Village

A remarkable community fundraising challenge in Lichfield has raised almost £30,000 for Kids’ Village, bringing the charity another step closer to helping seriously ill children and their families enjoy much-needed respite breaks.

The One More Lap challenge saw more than 20 teams come together at Lichfield’s picturesque Stowe Pool for a 12-hour fundraising event, demonstrating the generosity and determination of the local community.

By the end of the challenge, an impressive £29,788 had been raised for Kids’ Village, a charity working to create a dedicated respite holiday village for children living with serious illnesses and their families.

A Community United for a Special Cause

Throughout the event, participants completed laps around Stowe Pool, with teams working together to keep the challenge going over the 12-hour period.

The event brought together people of different ages and abilities, united by a shared determination to support a project that could make a meaningful difference to families facing incredibly difficult circumstances.

The impressive fundraising total reflects not only the efforts of those taking part but also the generosity of sponsors, supporters and the wider Lichfield community.

Helping Families Make Precious Memories

Kids’ Village is working towards establishing a purpose-built holiday village where seriously ill children and their families can spend valuable time together away from the pressures of hospital appointments and medical treatment.

The charity’s vision is to provide a welcoming environment where families can relax, enjoy new experiences and create lasting memories.

Fundraising initiatives such as One More Lap play an important role in helping to turn that vision into reality.

Looking Ahead to 2027

Following the success of this year’s event, another One More Lap challenge is being planned for September 2027.

With such an enthusiastic response from participants and supporters, organisers will be hoping to build on this year’s achievements and continue raising vital funds for Kids’ Village.

For everyone who took part, volunteered, sponsored or supported the event, the £29,788 total represents a tremendous community achievement — and another encouraging step towards making the Kids’ Village dream a reality.