Wesleyan has marked its sponsorship of Birmingham Children’s Hospital's BIG Bandage appeal by announcing plans to extend its fundraising partnership until the end of 2016.

By extending the link for a further two years, the Birmingham-based financial mutual will be able to help the hospital hit its £4 million fundraising target so it can renovate its facilities.

The company has already raised more than £180,000 for its neighbour in Birmingham city centre after staff selected it as its chosen charity in 2013, with the intention of raising £250,000 by the end of this year.

Louise McCathie, director of fundraising at Birmingham Children's Hospital, said: "We are overwhelmed that Wesleyan has agreed to support Birmingham Children’s Hospital for another two years.

"I want to pass on our heartfelt thanks to each and every member of staff who voted and all of those who have contributed to the amazing amount already raised to help our young patients.

"This significant extension of our partnership will make a huge difference to the lives of our brave patients and their families as we work towards creating a world class Children's Cancer Centre."

Liz McKenzie, group corporate services director and chair of Wesleyan's charity advisory committee, said: "We are delighted to be extending our fundraising commitment to Birmingham Children's Hospital for another two years.

"Everyone at Wesleyan is passionate about supporting the hospital and, after hitting our initial target, we wanted to carry on supporting this great cause. We want to raise £250,000 by the end of this year, but we have even bigger plans for the years ahead."

As part of its ongoing fundraising activities, Wesleyan is the main sponsor of the hospital's BIG Bandage celebrations for a second year.

The city-wide appeal will see people and landmarks wrapped up in bandages on July 11 to raise money for the hospital.

Ms McKenzie added: "The BIG Bandage event is a great way to kick start the next round of our fundraising. Our staff really got behind the campaign last year and they are already planning a wide range of activities and really looking forward to having lots of fun on the day."

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