Acorns Christmas Appeal 2026

Please give a family a Christmas to remember

For families caring for a life-limited child, Christmas can be filled with uncertainty.

But they don't have to face it alone.

With your kindness, families can experience moments of joy, comfort and precious time together. This Christmas, you can help make those moments possible.

Donate now
Mary smiling at Caris in front of a Christmas tree. Caris smiles back, with a feeding tube secured by festive tape.
Mary holding Caris at a Christmas celebration, with artificial snow around them.

Caris's story

A Christmas party that meant so much

When Mary and Matt welcomed their daughter, Caris, they dreamed of watching her grow up and experiencing all the milestones that come with childhood. But a diagnosis of a rare genetic condition changed the future they had pictured for their little girl.

Their days were soon filled with caring for Caris and managing her complex medical needs. With so much to cope with, it was difficult to imagine how they could enjoy the simple things other families might take for granted.

Then Acorns invited them to a Christmas party.

For a family who had spent so much time worrying about what lay ahead, the day was a chance to put those worries aside for a while. With festive lights, decorations and snow all around them, they could focus on what mattered most: being together and seeing Caris happy.

Mary holding Caris at a Christmas celebration, with artificial snow around them.

That Christmas party was the beginning of a special relationship with Acorns. A place where Caris could feel safe and at home, and where Mary and Matt could find support from people who understood what their family was going through.

Acorns helped the family make precious memories together, while providing specialist nursing care and support through some of their most difficult moments.

Caris died in June 2025, aged just two. Acorns continued to support Mary and Matt, helping them through difficult decisions and ensuring they could spend Caris's final moments together in a peaceful, homely environment, surrounded by love.

Mary, Matt and Caris together outdoors during a family experience.

“Without Acorns, we may still have been sat at home, missing out on so much.”

Mary and Matt, Caris's parents

For families like Caris's, precious time together means everything.

This Christmas, your gift could help another family find comfort, share moments of joy and make memories they'll treasure.

Acorns Christmas Appeal

Give the gift of precious time

Your gift could help families like Caris's share precious moments together this Christmas. Choose how you'd like to make a difference.

£27 Could help a family create precious memories together this Christmas Donate £27 £54 Could help fund specialist nursing care in a family's home Donate £54 £100 Could help support a family to navigate difficult conversations about their child's care Donate £100

Or choose your own amount

Please enter a valid donation amount of at least £1.

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A monthly donation can help Acorns provide specialist care and support for children and families throughout the year.

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