The formidable Steven Knight and Andy Street have spoken of their excitement ahead of an exclusive charity lunch in aid of an urgent fundraising appeal from Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Award-winning screenwriter and director Steven Knight CBE is joining celebrated businessman and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street CBE in conversation for the charity’s £2million Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal on Thursday 5 March.
Hosted by Marc Reeves, renowned Editor-in-Chief of Reach Plc Midlands, the event will explore the guests’ journey to success as well as their ambitious plans to make the creative arts as much a hallmark of Birmingham’s identity as its rich industrialist past.
Steven Knight said: “I’m delighted to be joining Andy for this special event for the Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal. This is a fantastic charity, offering lifeline services for children and families across the Black Country and the West Midlands.”
Andy Street, Patron for the Save Acorns Black Country Appeal, added: “When I joined the Appeal as Patron, I said I would do what I can to help raise its profile and inspire people into action. I’m pleased to not only honour that pledge by joining this event but also by raising funds to help secure the future of these vital local services.”
Steven is best-known as the creator and writer of the BBC smash-hit series Peaky Blinders and as a pioneer of British storytelling. While Andy, a former managing director of John Lewis, was elected as the first Mayor of the West Midlands in 2017, bringing investment into the region and championing its regeneration.
The duo have partnered with some of the West Midlands most influential figures from TV and film to launch Create Central; a powerful new body set to revolutionise the region’s creative industry.
Proud Brummie Steven was made a CBE in the Queen’s 2020 New Year’s Honours for services to drama, entertainment and the community in Birmingham. Oxford graduate Andy was made a CBE in 2015 in Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours for services to economic growth.
Noel Cramer, Director of Supporter Engagement at Acorns, said: “Excitement is really building for what I’m certain will be a truly fascinating afternoon. Steven and Andy are both masters in their fields and are well-respected by their peers and throughout the West Midlands. We are truly honoured to have them come together and support our Appeal in this way.”
Steven Knight CBE in Conversation with Andy Street CBE will be set within the Council Chamber; a must-see venue not usually open to the public.
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.
To find out more about how you can support the Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal or to make a donation, please visit www.acorns.org.uk/appeal
ENDS
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
Find out more about how you can support our work caring for children and families.
