1284 Communications founder George Oliver was guest speaker at the Christmas meeting of Bodies' Business Supper Club.

He joined charity founder Donna Hodges to speak about his familiy's own experience - and how it eventually led to the founding of 1284 in 2020.

The Bodie Hodges Foundation provides bereavement support to families who have lost a child.

Its latest business club meeting took place upstairs at the Queen of Bradgate in Leicester on Tuesday.

George was invited to speak to club members from a host of partner businesses in the region.

He spoke about the purpose of 1284, its origins, values - and the story behind the name.

"Bodie Hodges does such great work with families who have lost a child, so I spoke about the death of my brother in 2006," George said.

"I wanted the other guests to see the line that went through from that moment to how 1284 and why operates today.

"They were brilliant - although many of them were strangers - and it was great to be there alongside Donna.

"Speaking to them afterwards, it was clear that people process loss differently. What was common is that everyone had experienced it."

Bodie Hodges networking

Bodie's Business Supper Club is a fantastic networking opportunity for Leicester’s business leaders. 

It holds quarterly meetings with guest speakers at each event.

It is all in support of the Bodie Hodges Foundation, a Leicestershire-based charity that provides support to local families who are bereaved of a child.

The Foundation provides a range of services:

• Bereavement support
• Memory bags
• Organ donation awareness

By providing support, encouraging families to rebuild, and helping them remember their loved ones, the Foundation gives hope to thos who have lost a child.

Support from partners at Bodie's Business Supper Club enables work to continue those services.

The charity currently has space for a small number of director-level members.

Learn more from  Lucy Cervasio at lucy@bodiehodgesfoundation.co.uk