Community Spirit Shines at Co-Op with Joshua Reynolds MP 

On 30th November 2024, the community came together at the Co-Op in Wessex Way in Maidenhead, to support Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service.  

The event was organised by Graham Chamberlain and a dedicated group of volunteers from a Men’s Fellowship Group, formed five years ago at St Michael’s Church in Bray. The group’s efforts were bolstered by the presence of Maidenhead’s Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament, Joshua Reynolds, who generously gave some of his time to come and show his support for this important cause. 

The Men’s Fellowship Group has an inspiring story of friendship and community. It began with lunches at The White Hart in Moneyrow Green, fostering connections that grew into regular evening meetups. Like many activities, these gatherings were paused during the pandemic, but the group resumed with renewed purpose, choosing to meet every other Wednesday for lunch at local pubs.  

Beyond their regular meetups, the group has shared days out to places like the RAF Museum at Hendon, strengthening their camaraderie and commitment to giving back. 

Recently, when Andy Giles, the group’s leader, suggested supporting Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, the idea was met with enthusiasm. Their journey into charity work began modestly but has already made a big impact. The Co-Op in Wessex Way, a long-time supporter of the hospice, provided the perfect venue for their bucket collections. 

A previous collection at the store raised over £400, a fantastic contribution to the hospice’s vital work. For some group members, the thought of standing outside a supermarket with a collecting bucket was initially daunting. However, the experience of connecting with local shoppers and raising funds for such a meaningful cause proved incredibly rewarding. 

With their initial success in mind, the group was eager to take part in this latest collection. The support of Joshua Reynolds MP added an extra layer of excitement, bringing more attention to the event. His presence highlighted the importance of community action in supporting services like Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice, which provides critical care and respite for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. 

The day was not just about raising funds; it was also a celebration of community spirit. Shoppers were warmly welcomed by the volunteers and shared kind words of encouragement and donations, reflecting the shared values of compassion and generosity. 

Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service is deeply grateful to the Men’s Fellowship Group, the Co-Op in Wessex Way, and everyone who contributed on the day. These collections provide vital funds that help us continue offering specialist care and support to families who need it most. 

We are also grateful to Jade Kidd from the Maidenhead Advertiser, a long time supporter of our work, who joined us to ensure that this incredible group effort was captured in the local news.

Thank you to Jazmin Parker, Alexander Devine’s Community and Events Fundraiser, and Debbie Tonkinson, our Volunteer Development Manager for organising, and to 5-year-old Ben Fawkes, son of our Marketing and Communications Manager, Mark, for additional camera work!

If you’d like to get involved in supporting Alexander Devine, whether through volunteering or fundraising, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and families across our community. 

A heartfelt thank you to Graham, Andy, and the entire Men’s Fellowship Group for choosing to support Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service. Your efforts embody the true meaning of community and the power of working together for a brighter future.