Children and families supported by Acorns Children’s Hospice got ‘hooked’ on the theatre when they were invited to a special performance of Peter Pan at Birmingham Hippodrome.
With a sprinkle of fairy dust, children and families were transported to the magical world of Neverland to watch the theatre’s star-studded seasonal spectacular.
The lucky families received VIP treatment including a backstage tour and a meet and greet with the pantomime’s all-star cast, which features TV’s Darren Day, comedy actress Meera Syal and Union J’s Jaymi Hensley.
The swashbuckling adventure was among the highlights of a fairy-tale theatre experience which included Peter Pan inspired crafts, music and the chance to explore the majestic set and learn about the show’s stunning special effects.
Sarah Jasper, Acorns Children, Young People and Sibling Service Manager, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Birmingham Hippodrome and the cast of Peter Pan for inviting some of the children and families we support for a fun-packed day out at the theatre.
“The pantomime cast and Hippodrome staff went out of their way to make sure it was a magical experience and our families loved every minute of it. It’s not every day you get a backstage tour and a chance to meet the cast!
“At Acorns we’re all about creating happy memories and make every moment count for the children and families we care for, so this was truly an incredible day.”
Chris Sudworth, Associate Director of Programming & Artist Development at Birmingham Hippodrome, commented: “We really look forward to opening up our building each year for a day of thrilling live theatre and engaging craft workshops.
“It’s always a pleasure to host Acorns Children’s Hospice for this brilliant day with some amazing families and it’s great to support a fellow charity in the Midlands.”
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care to children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, as well as support for their families.
In the past year, the charity, which operates three hospices based in Walsall, Birmingham and Worcester, has cared for more than 870 children and supported more than 1,140 families, including those who are bereaved.
For more information about the Birmingham Hippodrome and its 2019 season, visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com
To find out how you can support Acorns, please visit www.acorns.org.uk
ENDS
Photo caption: Think happy thoughts: Children and families supported by Acorns Children’s Hospice enjoyed a magical Peter Pan-themed day out at Birmingham Hippodrome.
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.
• Acorns is currently the UK and the world’s largest children’s hospice charity, as measured by the number of children it is helping to care for.
• It costs nearly £10 million a year 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
