In 2026, Forever Stars was honoured to be selected as Nottingham City Business Club‘s (NCBC) Charity of the Year. Since then, the partnership has grown into far more than a fundraising relationship, creating opportunities to raise awareness of baby loss, connect with Nottingham’s business community and build meaningful relationships that help to raise awareness of baby loss.

As one of Nottingham’s longest-established business networking organisations, NCBC brings together business leaders and professionals who are committed to making a positive difference within the city. Through fundraising, advocacy, networking opportunities and ongoing engagement, NCBC members have embraced Forever Stars’ mission and helped amplify the charity’s work.

Deborah Bond, NCBC Ambassador and long-standing Council member, reflects on how the partnership has developed and the impact it has had on both organisations.

How did the partnership between Forever Stars and NCBC begin?

The partnership began through NCBC’s annual Charity of the Year selection process.

Each year, NCBC invites Nottingham-based charities to apply, seeking organisations that are making a meaningful difference within the local community. Following an initial introduction from NCBC Council member and former President Terry Ellis, a review process and a member vote, Forever Stars was selected as Charity of the Year for 2026.

The Forever Stars story, their mission and the impact they’ve had on families across Nottinghamshire resonated deeply with both our Council and our members.

The partnership reflects NCBC’s commitment to supporting organisations that strengthen the wellbeing of the city while giving members an opportunity to support causes that matter.

What motivated NCBC to support Forever Stars?

Forever Stars’ work aligns closely with NCBC’s values of community, leadership and civic responsibility.

The charity’s commitment to supporting families affected by baby loss, raising awareness and creating lasting change across Nottinghamshire struck a chord with many members.

One of the things that came out of the conversations was how many people had been touched by baby loss that you simply wouldn’t know about. It opened up important conversations and helped people feel able to share experiences they may never have spoken about before.

Supporting Forever Stars has enabled NCBC to champion an important cause while encouraging empathy, understanding and meaningful discussion within the business community.

Can you describe the specific ways in which NCBC has supported Forever Stars?

NCBC’s support has been both financial and practical.

Fundraising activities take place throughout the year, beginning at the Club’s legendary Christmas Lunch, where the Charity of the Year is announced. Members support the charity through raffles, fundraising games and donations, with further fundraising continuing at monthly lunches and events including NCBC’s annual charity golf day.

One of the greatest benefits NCBC offers is access to its network. We provide speaking opportunities, visibility through our communications and introductions to business leaders who can potentially support charities and help them to grow. 

Bringing Forever Stars and the charities we support into our events and conversations gives them access to people who can share their message and open new doors.

Through the partnership, Forever Stars has been introduced to a wide range of businesses, sponsors and supporters across Nottingham, helping to raise awareness and create new opportunities for collaboration.

In what ways have Forever Stars and NCBC collaborated beyond financial support?

One of the defining features of the partnership has been the level of engagement from both sides.

Forever Stars has regularly attended NCBC events, spoken at lunches, shared its story with members and actively engaged with the Club across social media. This helps create a genuine partnership. The most successful relationships are the ones where both sides contribute and grow together.

NCBC has also supported Forever Stars through awareness raising and advocacy, encouraging members to attend events and engage with the charity’s work.

The partnership has created opportunities for individual members to become involved too. Through NCBC’s partnership with RockCorps, Forever Stars benefited from a volunteering project that supported work at the Serenity Garden.

Myself and Terry also attended Forever Stars’ King’s Award for Voluntary Service presentation and it was a privilege to celebrate the achievements of the charity and its volunteers.

How has the partnership with Forever Stars benefitted NCBC?

The partnership has strengthened NCBC’s role as a community-focused organisation while bringing a shared sense of purpose to members. Supporting Forever Stars has brought a real sense of pride to the Club. Our members feel proud to champion a charity that has real local impact.

When you bring a charity like Forever Stars into the room, you create empathy and perspective. It strengthens the culture and reinforces our commitment to community leadership.

The charity’s willingness to engage, collaborate and participate has helped create genuine relationships between NCBC members and the wider Forever Stars community.

The profile Forever Stars has gained and the support it’s received through NCBC has been fantastic, but the team has worked hard to build those relationships and make the most of every opportunity.

What advice would you give to organisations looking to establish similar partnerships with charities and community organisations?

Choose a charity whose values align with your own. Build a relationship rather than simply making a donation. Visibility, advocacy and introductions can be just as valuable as financial support.

The most successful partnerships are the ones where both sides grow together and the relationship continues long after the formal fundraising year ends.

NCBC has several former Charity of the Year partners who remain actively involved with the Club today, continuing to build on what was created during their partnership year.

Forever Stars is a powerful example of what can be achieved when a charity embraces the opportunities available to create lasting impact.

As the partnership continues throughout 2026, NCBC and Forever Stars remain united by a shared commitment to supporting the local community, raising awareness of baby loss and ensuring families across Nottinghamshire receive the support they need.

Looking for a Charity of the Year to support?

Visit our Friends and Corporate Supporters page to find out more about how you and your organisation can support Forever Stars.