Children and families went ‘boing’ for the Baggies today (17 December 2019) as West Bromwich Albion stars paid a special Christmas visit to Acorns Children Hospice.
Darnell Furlong, Kieran Gibbs, Kyle Bartley and Romaine Sawyers took a break from training to bring festive cheer to families, staff and volunteers and show their support for an urgent fundraising appeal to safeguard the future of the Walsall-based hospice.
The teammates joined surprise guest Father Christmas to hand out presents to children and siblings before being given a tour of the hospice’s specialist facilities by the Head Nurse.
Toby Porter, Acorns Chief Executive, said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to welcome the Baggies to our Black Country hospice today. The children and families using the hospice thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them and it was very clear from the smiles on the players’ faces that they enjoyed it too.
“Visits like this create unforgettable memories for the children and families we support and today will be one to remember.
“We’re extremely grateful to West Bromwich Albion for joining our Black Country Appeal. After hitting the £500,000 mark earlier this month our sights are now firmly set on reaching the next fundraising milestone in our £2million Appeal. So, having yet another big-name club on board is fantastic in helping us raise even greater awareness of our campaign.”
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.
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
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 us safeguard the long-term future of our hospice in the Black Country.
