One of the country’s best loved literary legends paid a special visit to Acorns Children’s Hospice this week (Monday 16 December) to meet staff and families for a special poetry recital.
The award-winning Birmingham-born writer, poet, actor and musician Benjamin Zephaniah visited Acorns in the Black Country where he met some of the children, young people and families who rely on the hospice’s services.
Benjamin, who stars as Jeremiah Jesus in the BBC series Peaky Blinders, was interviewed by Acorns Ambassador Assya Shabir, before treating his audience at the Walsall-based hospice to a selection of his poetry.
Emma Aspinall, Director of Care at Acorns, said: “It’s been a real highlight of our year to welcome Benjamin to Acorns today. Benjamin is such an inspiration, and for him to spend so much time with us sharing his wonderful stories and poems is a real honour.
“On behalf of everyone at Acorns, we thank Benjamin for taking the time to visit us and for recognising the true value of the care and support our hospice in Walsall provides children and families across the Black Country.”
Since Acorns launched the Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal in July, the Appeal is a quarter of the way to its £2million target having reached the £500,000 mark earlier this month.
To support the Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal, visit www.acorns.org.uk/appeal
ENDS
Photo caption: Selection of photos from Benjamin Zephaniah’s visit to Acorns in the Black Country, Walsall
For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team:
David Chamberlain: 01564 825020 / 07817 612422 / david.chamberlain@acorns.org.uk
Nicki Robinson: 01564 825062 / 07814 302153 / nicki.robinson@acorns.org.uk
Notes to editors:
Due to the sensitive nature of Acorns care services it refrains from using the words ‘terminal’ or ‘terminally ill’ in its press releases and public communications when describing the children who use Acorns and the conditions that they have. Instead, Acorns uses the words ‘life limited’, ‘life limiting’, or ‘life threatening’. Acorns kindly requests that you respect this in your communications when referring to Acorns Children’s Hospice. Acorns children have a lot of living to do. Thank you.
- It costs £27,000 every day to run Acorns services providing care for children and support for their families. The charity relies heavily on donations to fund the majority of its activities.
- To find out more about Acorns, please visit acorns.org.uk
