Gift donation 'jewel in the crown' for Wolverhampton children's ward

Spreading the joy and generosity of the season, Arran Bailey, managing director of ALB Group, alongside Jon Weston, managing director at Rudell, and team members from both businesses delivered the sleigh full of gifts to the children’s wards on Tuesday, December 16. 

Arran Bailey said: “We want to give back to the communities that we serve and spread a little joy along the way, especially at this time of the year. 

“The festive season is usually such a joyful time, and while the hospital teams do an amazing job at bringing Christmas to those children and young people who won’t be able to spend Christmas at home, we’d like to let them know that their community is also thinking of them through a gift from Santa.” 

This is the first year that ALB Group has donated gifts to The Royal Wolverhampton Hospital. The association with the city comes after the Nottingham-headquartered property group purchased the former Marks & Spencer building in Dudley Street, which it plans to transform into a mix of new apartments and modern retail units. 

Under ALB Group’s plans, the upper floors will be transformed into 71 contemporary residential apartments, and three new retail units on the ground floor. 

Arran said: “After our investment in Wolverhampton’s city centre and a building that has been part of Wolverhampton’s story for generations, we wanted to give back to the community and especially, spread a little joy to the children and young people spending Christmas in hospital. To do this alongside Rudell The Jeweller is a particular privilege and one that has enabled us to buy 100 gifts.” 

Wolverhampton based Rudell the Jewellers was founded on Valentine’s Day 1938. Today, it is renowned as a jeweller of excellence boasting a prestigious selection of jewellery, timepieces and luxury giftware brands. 

Jon Weston, managing director at Rudell’s said: “It means a lot to us to be involved in this initiative, and we’re incredibly thankful to Arran Bailey and ALB Group for including us. Helping bring some Christmas cheer to children in hospital is a real privilege.” 

The firms have purchased items the hospital has requested as well as other ‘wish list’ gifts for the children. 

Arran Bailey added: “As a company, we work to improve local areas through the regeneration, redevelopment and conversion of underutilised sites and properties, and we feel a responsibility to give something extra special back to these communities for Christmas.” 

ALB Group has also donated to the Big Give. A charity that aims to bring “joy, warmth, comfort, and hope to children and young people in Wolverhampton facing poverty”. Big Give offers free meals, festive events, and support, easing the pressure and helping every child feel less alone, included, valued, and part of something magical.