Sporting memorabilia worth thousands, including a signed Pelé shirt have been donated to charity thanks to a Worcestershire business.
Firma Stella, based in Hartlebury, donated the items which include a signed Ben Stokes cricket bat and Tyson Fury boxing gloves, to Acorns for the Three Counties, Worcester.
The items will be auctioned by Acorns to help raise £10,000 in vital funds towards the charity’s work caring for life limited children and providing support for their families across the region.
Peter Johnson, CEO of Firma Stella, a company which trades in authentic signed sporting memorabilia, said: “We are fortunate to have a thriving business with great plans for the future and every year we take time out to think of charities providing unique services to our local communities.”
Following a visit to the Bath Road hospice in Worcester, Peter and his team were impressed by the specialist care team based at the facility and their work caring for local children and their families.
Peter added: “It was clear to us that there is so much joy in the hospice, with so much effort going in to making every day special. We could see for ourselves that it takes a lot for this special charity to operate 24/7, 365 days a year, but we know our donation will help more children receive great care and support throughout the year.”
Acorns plans to auction the memorabilia, which include a diverse array of signed items from the stars of cricket, football, boxing and rugby union at special events in 2023 to raise funds towards its work.
Noel Cramer, Executive Director of Supporter Engagement at Acorns, said: “We are absolutely over the moon with this amazing donation and the incredible generosity of Firma Stella. It was a wonderful day when Councillor Jabbar Riaz introduced me to Peter and Firma Stella, and it was very clear that the company was committed to donating to a local charity and making a real difference to the lives of local children and families.
“This set of special gifts gives us the chance to maximise the opportunity on offer. We are delighted to have such generous support and thank Peter and his team for their genuine commitment to, and interest in, Acorns Children’s Hospice.”
In the past year, Acorns has cared for more than 700 children and almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. The charity relies on generous donations and fundraising by the local community for the majority of the funds it needs.
