Black Country Radio's Billy Spakemon and his friends presented a cheque for £18,000 to Russell's Hall Hospital after busking for charity throughout the year.

Billy, alongside his fellow 'buskeeters' have been fundraising by busking in town centres and a multitude of other locations and events in aid of the Neonatal and Children's Ward at Russell's Hall Hospital.

Alongside contributors, and supported by Black Country Radio and Halesowen BID, Billy presented a cheque for £18,000 to the hospital, and had the opportunity to visit the wards. 

Billy has fundraised for the Hospital's charity for many years, donating the money he has raised from busking to many different departments such as Diabetes Unit, Georgina Unit, breast and prostate cancer care. His target was to beat his previous year’s total of £11,000, which he successfully did due to the support of so many people.

Diane Wake, chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust said, "Over the years he and his supporters have raised money for our Trust Charity through busking on the streets of the Black Country.

"In 2019 they raised £6,500 towards our Diabetes Unit and in 2020 they managed to raise £8,000 towards our Georgina Unit. In 2021, they raised £11,000 towards our Breast Cancer Care and Prostate Cancer Care departments.

"This year they have excelled in their previous fundraising efforts by raised an amazing £18,000 for our Neonatal and Children's Department. The funds are being used to purchase a Premature Anne Stimulation Doll to facilitate training for our healthcare staff in the initiation of proper care and resuscitation of preterm infants.

"A huge thank you to Billy and his supporters for his continuous fundraising efforts, community fundraisers like him make a huge difference to our Trust Charity."

Vicky Rogers, Halesowen BID manager, added "He's been fundraising in the town centre for the last four years, and added "Thank you to the wonderful community and businesses that have donated to this year's fundraiser."

Billy is already planning for his Busking For Charity fundraising escapade's for next year.