Dedicated staff and volunteers at the Acorns Children’s Hospice shop in Mere Green are ‘absolutely elated’ after it was named as favourite charity shop across the whole of the West Midlands.

The shop was one of 6,500 nominated in the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards but took the winning title after thousands of votes were cast by members of the public.

It has been crowned for its friendly and dedicated staff, its quality items and sustainability, and its urgent work in raising vital funds for seriously ill children across the region.

Nicky Hales, Manager for Acorns Mere Green, said: “I cannot tell you how proud the team feels. I work with a fantastic group of people and it’s their friendliness and dedication that has led to this amazing award.

“We’re absolutely elated to be have been crowned as winners. Thank you to everyone who has supported us, and to our loyal customers and volunteers who give their time to make sure we succeed and can fund lifeline care and support for the children and families who desperately need us.”

The prestigious awards are hosted by the Charity Retail Association and Acorns Mere Green was one of six charity shops shortlisted in the West Midlands.

Volunteer Sheryl Bolden added: “We are a community charity shop, and we’ve got such a committed and loyal customer base. We are all so passionate about our shop being on the map. It’s such an amazing community, and the team here are like family.”

“To see all the incredible work done by Acorns in the community is so rewarding.”

The Mere Green branch, in Sutton Coldfield, is one of nearly 50 Acorns shops and superstores across the West Midlands which raise money towards the charity’s lifeline care of children with life limiting and life threatening conditions and support for their families.

Gary Pettit, Retail Director for Acorns, said: “What a fantastic achievement for our team. Not only does this recognise their hard work and dedication, it shows that because of our customers we can be there for children and families when they need us the most.”

Robin Osterley, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, added: “Huge congratulations to Acorns Children’s Hospice. This award is a testament to the dedication of the shop’s staff and volunteers, and highlights what this wonderful store means to the local community.

“We have been overwhelmed by the public’s response to our search for the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop, which celebrates the contribution the sector makes to communities and good causes across the UK.”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support for their families.

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 750 children across the West Midlands, and supported almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.

Acorns needs around £30,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.

Help can’t wait. Donate to Acorns today by visiting www.acorns.org.uk/donate