‘Thank you, thank you, thank you!’ – That’s the message from vocal powerhouse Beverley Knight to dedicated fundraisers who have helped an urgent appeal from Acorns Children’s Hospice reach half a million pounds.
In a video message to supporters, the singing sensation thanked the public for getting behind the £2million Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal and urged more people to make a donation.
Beverley said: “I wanted to say ‘thank you, thank you, thank you’ on behalf of Acorns Hospice to everybody who has donated to the campaign to save the hospice so far.
“We’ve got to half a million pounds which is absolutely brilliant. But… we’re a quarter of the way there. So please, if you haven’t donated yet, please do so. If you know someone who hasn’t donated yet, please get them to join in!
“The work Acorns does is invaluable, it can’t easily be done elsewhere. So, if you can donate, I know Acorns Hospice would really, really appreciate it.”
Black Country-born Beverley, who hails from Wolverhampton, is a long-standing supporter of Acorns Children’s Hospice.
The critically acclaimed singer, songwriter and theatre performer took time out of rehearsals to meet children and families when she appeared in Birmingham for panto in 2017. The following year, Beverley sent a message of thanks to supporters during the charity’s 30th anniversary year in 2018.
Toby Porter, Acorns Chief Executive said: “Beverley Knight is an exceptional talent as well as a beloved role model in the local community. We’re thrilled to have her join us in our fight to safeguard the future of these local lifeline services for children and families across the Black Country.
“As Beverley says, to reach half a million pound in just five months is brilliant indeed and a true testament to the hard work and generosity of this incredible community. We still have some way to go and, as we prepare to embrace a new year and look back on what we have achieved, we recommit to reaching our £2m target during 2020.
“Our sincere thanks to Beverley for this expression of support and in the words of Beverley, ‘if you haven’t donated yet, please do so’. Your support at this crucial time will remembered and appreciated for many years to come.”
The Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal was launched by Acorns in July as the proposed closure of its hospice in Walsall was put on hold following pledges of additional NHS support, that should ensure the hospice is adequately funded from 2023/24 onwards.
The urgent call for donations has seen the local community mobilise into action, with numerous individuals, celebrities, businesses and sports teams all stepping-up to support the charity.
To support the Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal, visit www.acorns.org.uk/appeal
ENDS
Photo caption: Beverley Knight sends a message of thanks to supporters of the Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal after fundraising total reaches £500,000.
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 www.acorns.org.uk
Help Acorns continue providing these local services to children and families across the Black Country who need us.
