Talented dancers from Birmingham Royal Ballet’s famous festive production The Nutcracker brought some fairytale magic to Acorns Children’s Hospice yesterday (Tuesday 3 December).
Artists from the seasonal spectacular took a break from performing to join children and families at Acorns in Birmingham’s annual ‘Light up a Life’ festive celebration and Christmas lights switch on.
As the sun set at the Selly Oak hospice, visitors came together to see Acorns in Birmingham glow against the dark sky. Sharing the special moment were Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Alexandra Burman, Hamish Scott, Daria Stanciulescu and Callum Findlay-White, dressed in their beautiful costumes.
Chris Reed, Head of Care at Acorns in Birmingham, said: “It’s always such a delight to welcome dancers from Birmingham Royal Ballet to our Christmas lights switch on. Year after year they take time out of their busy schedule to help bring that extra sparkle to what is a real highlight of the festive period.
“Christmas at the hospice is such a magical time, but it can be difficult for our families. But thanks to support from organisations like Birmingham Royal Ballet, we are able to create even more precious moments families can treasure and for that we’re extremely grateful.”
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions as well as support for their families.
In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across Worcester and the West Midlands, and supported over 1,220 families, including those who are bereaved.
The charity is committed to making every day count for children and families who access its services, working in partnership with organisations like Birmingham Royal Ballet, to create memories to cherish.
Lauren Morton, PR and Media Executive for Birmingham Royal Ballet, said: “Birmingham Royal Ballet is absolutely thrilled to be able to continue its long association with Acorns.
“Our dancers always look forward to visiting and bringing some joy at Christmas when the hospice provides so much love and support to children and their families. Acorns do a fabulous job throughout the year and it was lovely to be able to let our dancers spread a little of the magic of ballet.”
To find out how you support Acorns this Christmas, please visit www.acorns.org.uk/christmasappeal
ENDS
Photo caption: Artists from Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, meet children at Acorns Children’s Hospice in Birmingham.
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
