Powerful message takes to the road across the West Midlands

30th September 2025

A powerful message took to the road as Acorns Children’s Hospice revved up its fight to save vital Government funding for children’s hospice care.

A truck bearing the striking portrait of the Prime Minister – created entirely from the orange painted handprints of children with life limiting and life threatening conditions cared for by Acorns – toured the region, urging the Government to safeguard the future of children’s hospice services.

Acorns has been urging the public to support its campaign at www.savethegrant.com and has been out in public and all its shops collecting signatures for a petition to be handed to 10 Downing Street.

The need has never been greater

The evocative artwork, titled Hands for Hope, was first unveiled outside the Houses of Parliament in July to launch Acorns urgent campaign. Now, the image has returned to Acorns home region, as the charity continues to rally public support and press its plea directly to the Prime Minister.

Without sustainable Government funding, Acorns fears it may be forced to turn away a seriously ill child for the first time in its 37-year history.

Trevor Johnson, Chief Executive at Acorns, said: “Like Acorns, all children’s hospices are facing extreme financial pressures – but the need for our services has never been greater. Demand for end-of-life care at Acorns has almost doubled in the past year, as more families rely on our specialist care more than ever before.

“The Hands for Hope tour across the West Midlands is a reminder that the future of children’s hospice care is in the Prime Minister’s hands. We need the Government to act now and guarantee long-term, sustainable funding so that no child or family is ever denied the vital care they need.”

The artwork, featuring hundreds of handprints made during art therapy sessions at Acorns hospices, is a symbol of the children and families behind the campaign.

Our message is simple

Trevor added: “These handprints aren’t just a piece of art. They represent lives, memories, and the unique bond we share with every child we care for. Our message is simple: without this funding, heartbreaking decisions will have to be made. With it, we can continue to provide lifeline care and support to hundreds of families across the region.”

The Children’s Hospice Grant, worth £26 million to children’s hospices across England and £2.2 million to Acorns, is due to end in March 2026, with no commitment from the Government to extend or replace it.

Acorns is urging the public to back its campaign by raising their hand, sharing the message on social media, and signing up for a free Save the Grant window sticker at savethegrant.com.

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support for their families.

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.

This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.

Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with more than 70% of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.

Join Acorns fight to save the Children’s Hospice Grant. Pledge your support at savethegrant.com now!