It was a first for the charity and was aimed at bringing local businesses together to build awareness and raise much needed funds for the Midlands-based hospice. The success of the Group, which was primarily driven by Pete’s determination and passion led him to being named the first ever National Patron to Zoe’s Place Trust.

Carrying out this responsibility part-time alongside his position of Group CEO at Contechs, an automotive design and engineering business, Pete devotes his time to develop and support fundraising efforts for all three hospices.

Based in Coventry, Liverpool and Middlesborough, the three hospices collectively have the challenge of raising £4.4 million each year to remain open.

Hosting a variety of fundraising events since its inception, such as an annual gala ball and golf day, the Coventry Business Group has now reached an incredible milestone of £500,000. These events have been supported by celebrities such as Brian Travis from UB40, actress Rosie Day and Greg Wallace from Master Chef.

Speaking about this collective achievement, Pete said: “The determination of the Coventry Business Group to play its part for Zoe’s Place has allowed us to hit a milestone we are all so proud to have achieved. The money raised serves as a lifeline to the children, and the families it serves, and provides invaluable support to the Zoe’s Place team.”

Pete and the Coventry Business Group have set themselves a target to raise the next £5000.000 within just the next five years to reach a £1 million milestone. To achieve this ambitious goal, a new business club has been launched to expand regional business support for events and other fundraising efforts.

Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice provides palliative and end-of-life care for babies and infants up to five years old. Almost wholly dependent on donations, the charity faces new challenges every year in its continuous bid to remain open.