'Showing them the love': Black Country folk flocked to a Walsall bar to support poorly youngster Amelia Kolpa and her family as she battles cancer
A bar in Walsall held an afternoon of activities and fundraising in support of young Amelia Kolpa, from Rowley Regis, who is battling cancer.
Willenhall came together in heartfelt support as Shepwells hosted 'For Amelia Sunday,' a fundraising event dedicated to helping the brave young girl and her family. The event, which began at midday on Sunday, February 8, offered free entry and a packed programme of activities for all ages.
The fundraiser was organised in honour of seven-year-old Amelia Kolpa, a young girl from Rowley Regis who has been battling stage-4 high-risk neuroblastoma since she was two years old and is currently receiving palliative care.
Amelia captured hearts across the UK with her simple birthday wish — to receive 8,000 greeting cards for her eighth birthday — as a way to bring joy to her life amid relentless treatment. Her story sparked a nationwide campaign that saw postal deliveries of cards and messages far beyond the original target, with support flooding in from schools, businesses and individuals across the country.
“At just two years old she began a fight no child should ever have to face,” said one organiser at the event. “Amelia and her family have shown remarkable courage. This day is about showing them the love back.”
Held at Shepwells in Willenhall, the event drew families from across the West Midlands, with activities including face painting and glitter tattoos, kids’ amusements, a car boot sale, and appearances from fun mascots.
Local music act Reggae Boyz featuring Michele kept spirits high, while a live auction drove generous bidding from attendees eager to boost the fundraising total. Organisers also reported a wonderful turnout of volunteers and donations, from homemade baked goods to auction items donated by local shops.
Alongside the festivities, organisers emphasised that all money raised will be donated directly to Amelia’s family to help with care costs and support, enabling them to spend time together and focus on their daughter’s wellbeing.
“It’s been inspiring to see so many people here today,” Alice Morgan, from Walsall, said. “The community has shown what it means to rally around someone and I think everyone has been really inspired by Amelia's story."
Visitors described the warm atmosphere and strong sense of community as highlights of the day, noting that events like this reinforce the supportive spirit of the Black Country.
"We've come from West Bromwich today after reading about Amelia's story, and we're just happy to show our support," one parent in attendance said. "It's been lovely. There's plenty for the kids to do and it sounds like there will be more to come later on. It's been a great way to spend a Sunday and the fact it helps a good cause too is a bonus."
