Movie magic as sparkling new cinema room unveiled

Family and staff stand in cinema room watching the screen

The beautiful new cinema room is unveiled at Acorns in the Black Country

The magic of the movies has come to Acorns in the Black Country with the opening of a sparkling new cinema room.

With a large film screen, starry ceiling lights, amazing surround sound and access to thousands of films, the room opens up a whole new world of opportunities for the hospice as it cares for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions.

The five month project was made possible with the help of Together for Cinema, Jooced, and the generosity of local businesses which installed the automated, hi-tech equipment.

Mum and daughter Aime and Charlee were the first guests to see cinema room in action with a showing of Disney’s The Good Dinosaur.

Aime said: “Charlee is in her element. This is going to be really good for children and their families. Without this we would be only be able to watch films on TV at home.”

Family and staff stand for group photo in cinema room

The cinema room was made possible by the generosity of Together for Cinema and Jooced

Generosity and professionalism

The hospice is now planning cinema days and themed events for children and families to enjoy.

Neil Patel, Facilities Manager at Acorns in the Black Country, said: “I am overwhelmed by both the generosity and professionalism of both Jooced and Together for Cinema.

“Together for Cinema has been incredible at sourcing and delivering an array of technological items to fully support this installation. Jooced is at the forefront of their industry creating a bespoke installation with extertise, knowledge and experience.”

“Together this team has delivered an incredible cinema experience for our children by bringing this to our hospice. On behalf of us all at Acorns – thank you!”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for 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 730 children across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, and almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

Acorns needs around £27,000 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.

For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team at news@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.

Children playing with newly installed lifelites technology.

Acorns Children’s Hospice is using the very latest in cutting-edge technology to help open-up new worlds of experience for local children.

Pioneering equipment, provided by technology charity Lifelites – gives life limited children cared for at Acorns the opportunity to communicate and have fun, regardless of ability.

Recently, staff and children at Acorns for the Three Counties, Worcester had a chance to try-out a brand new batch of interactive technology, as Lifelites donated the latest package of life-changing equipment to the hospice.

Among the items delivered on the day was an EyeGaze – innovative eye-tracking technology, enabling children to play games and communicate with friends and family; and a Magic Carpet – technology which allows children to interact with moving patterns and shapes projected onto different surfaces.

Becky Hughes, Hospice Matron at Acorns, spoke about the huge benefits the donations bring. She said: “The technology provided by Lifelites is just wonderful. Many of the Children we care for have complex care needs and may be limited in-terms of movement. This donation gives them opportunity to do things or experience life in ways they or their family never imagined.

“The equipment truly makes dreams come true and we’re so grateful to Lifelites and the donors who support their work for making this a reality. It makes a huge difference and we can’t wait to introduce the technology to more children and families who use Acorns.”

The technology, maintenance and support, which Lifelites provides for free, is worth over £50,000 over four years, before a new bundle is donated with the latest hardware and software. A team from Lifelites visited the Bath Road hospice to present the new equipment and offer training to Acorns staff and volunteers.

Lifelites chief executive, Rob Lightfoot, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Acorns Children’s Hospice. As the needs of the children and families using their services change and become more complex, Lifelites has responded by providing an extensive package of the latest assistive technology.

“With almost 25 years’ experience, we know that these technologies will empower children and young people with life-limiting conditions to engage and interact with the people they love and enjoy the world they live in. We hope that this support helps them to create many joyful memories.”

Other items donated to Acorns included ‘PODs’, a portable multisensory tent featuring colourful lights and music; specially adapted iPads loaded with bespoke games and apps; and adaptive controllers to enable children of all abilities to use and interact with the equipment.

Lifelites has donated equipment to every children’s hospice in the British Isles for more than 20 years and continues to provide new technology and ongoing support to ensure that children in hospices have a chance to escape the confines of their conditions.

Acorns provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people and support for their families across Herefordshire and Worcestershire and the wider West Midlands region.

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 700 children and almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team at news@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 was a proud night for Acorns at the Innovation Awards on Friday (27th October) with special recognition for the charity’s groundbreaking Family Portal and a fantastic £8,000 raised towards local families.

Acorns joined nominees from across the region at the event, held to celebrate organisations and individuals who show exceptional dedication to innovation.

The Acorns Family Portal, an online tool for families and the first of its kind for a UK children’s hospice was nominated for the Community Innovator award.

The Portal, launched by Acorns in 2022, gives families access to key information about the care being delivered to their child at one of the charity’s three hospices and allows them to submit hospice bookings from the comfort of their own home, connecting them directly to the hospice admin teams.

Trevor Johnson, Acorns Chief Executive and Jessica Ashe, Programme Manager at Acorns represented the charity on the evening, held at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham. Acorns was official charity on the night and a fantastic £8,000 was raised from bucket collection, silent auction and raffle.

Local youth charity Free@Last were eventual winners in the Community Innovator charity, but it was a proud night for Acorns in recognition of the charity’s trailblazing work.

Jessica Ashe, said: “It’s an honour to see Acorns and our work celebrated at the Innovation Awards and we’re thrilled that our work has been recognised in this way. The Family Portal has transformed the way in which we engage with families, better supporting the needs of the children we care for.”

“The children who access our services often have complex care needs, and it’s not unusual for short break bookings to be cancelled at the last minute. By using the Portal, families are able to book breaks, change or cancel them in their own time, without being restricted by our office opening times.”

“It’s an amazing resource for our families, allowing them to quickly and easily book stays, so they can focus on providing care to their children at home during the day.”

To help get the Family Portal off the ground, Acorns was awarded funding by Morrisons Community Grants (£54,000) and worked in partnership with Care data platform, AzeusCare. Jessica added: “We’re on an exciting journey with the Family Portal and Acorns is exploring a number of exciting future possibilities. For example, giving families the ability to book on to specific Acorns support groups or giving them access to videos, pictures and messages, helping them feel connected to their child wherever they may be.”

To help get the Family Portal off the ground, Acorns was awarded funding by Morrisons Community
Acorns provides specialist care and support to hundreds of children and their family every year across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire.

The charity provides its care from three hospices, in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, in the community and in family homes.

It costs Acorns around £11 million every year to continue and it relies on donations and the profits from charity shops for the bulk of that amount.

For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team at news@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.

Catherine Smith, Jamie Wyton and Nickie Ford smile for a photo

Proud of everything the apprentices have achieved

The Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Fund was created by the WMCA to cover training costs for more apprentices in the region, through large employers donating a portion of their unspent apprenticeship levy to smaller companies.

The Fund keeps levy money within the West Midlands region by enabling the WMCA to partner large organisations with local smaller companies. This means the large employers donate a portion of their unspent apprenticeship levy funds to the smaller businesses, covering 100% of their apprenticeship training and assessment costs.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the WMCA, said: “This £45,000 boost – made possible thanks to the WMCA Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Fund – highlights our commitment to upskilling and supporting healthcare professionals.

“This initiative empowers participants to progress to nurse level in professional terms while delivering essential care to local life-limited children.

Nickie Ford, Trainee Nurse Associate

“By nurturing talent in this way, we’re ensuring fantastic care is provided to the children and families who rely on Acorns.”

Jamie Wyton, Clinical Practice Educator

Ensuring fantastic care is provided

“By nurturing talent in this way, we’re ensuring fantastic care is provided to the children and families who rely on Acorns.”

So far, more than £46 million has been contributed as a result of large organisations joining the WMCA partnership, boosting skills and productivity by supporting more young people and adults of all ages into work.

The scheme created approximately 3,500 new apprenticeships at 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses across the region.

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for 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 700 children and almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

Acorns needs around £27,000 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.

For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team at news@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.

Mary, Ann and Acorns Patron Don MacLean at the opening of the Kings Heath shop in 1990.

Our incredible shop volunteer Mary Cushnie gave her all for Acorns for over 30 years.

In fact, Mary started fundraising for Acorns in the mid-80s, when even our first hospice had yet to open.

Mary’s story with Acorns begins at the nearby Cadbury’s factory in Bournville where she worked. Her friend and colleague Ann Cullinan planned to hold a jumble sale and Mary agreed to help.

Cadbury’s kindly offered to store the many items the fundraisers had collected for the sale and then one Saturday, they were given permission to hold the jumble in Cotteridge Gas Showroom on the high street.

It was the beginnings of a hugely successful fundraising movement known affectionately as ‘Ann’s Army’. They made nearly £1,000 on their first day – a fantastic sum of money for the time.

An incredibly committed volunteer throughout the years

Later, as the Gas Showroom was due to close, the owners offered the premises to Mary and Ann permanently to sell secondhand goods to the public.

The ladies then caught the attention of Acorns’ first CEO John Overton who had the idea of opening a shop to raise money for ‘children’, before even the name Acorns had been chosen.

The Cotteridge shop opened in 1986, two years before our first hospice on Oak Tree Lane and was the very first Acorns charity shop.

Mary has been an incredibly committed volunteer throughout the years, supporting both the Cotteridge and Kings Heath shops, before retiring in 2021.

In her own words, when reflecting on her service to Acorns, Mary said:

“I look on it that the children will not live to have a full or long life and I get huge pleasure from knowing that the effort I put into volunteering at the shops will help to benefit the children and their families.”

Find out how you can help Acorns be stronger together for local children and families by visiting our Stronger Together campaign.

For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team at news@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.

Woman in orange dress and man in suit, stand up to present. People at tables are clapping

Organisers were left ‘speechless’ as an amazing £15,000 was raised during an evening of culinary exploration when the Birmingham community came together to support Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Nearly 90 people joined the event to experience a dinner designed by TV Masterchef winner Dan Lee alongside a raffle and an auction to support the charity’s vital care for children with life limiting or life threatening conditions.

Members of the community and local businesses contributed a huge selection of prizes and gave their time to organise the sparkling event in support of Acorns and the care and support it provides to local families.

The Dine with Dan Lee event was organised by Acorns Business Ambassador Harriet Giles and Acorns Vice President Paul Cadman.

Harriet said: “I am still speechless and on cloud nine. The event was incredible and was a small idea that grew into an overwhelming evening of fun, laughter and some tears.

“I want thank the many people for their support in making this event happen and raise much needed funds for Acorns and the care for local children and their families.”

A big thank you to everyone who supported the event

The top auction prize was a private chef experience for six people with Dan Lee, who won the 2021 season of BBC TV’s Masterchef: The Professionals. Other auction and raffle prizes included a night at The Grand Hotel, a premium stay at Radisson Blue, and a host of dining and drink vouchers, from venues such as Couch, Eat Vietnam, Aluna, Zen Metro, The Wilderness and Alberts Schloss.

It took place at University College Birmingham (UCB) which also added a top-up donation of more than £4,000 to take the final amount to £15,000.

A top-class menu featured Dan’s TV winning dish of Hainanese chicken with chilli sambal. The food was cooked by new culinary students of UCB who received a standing ovation at the end of the evening.

Room of people sitting around tables, chatting with each other

Abi Coulson, Senior Partnerships Fundraising Manager for Acorns, said: “It was an incredible evening and thank you so much to everyone who gave so generously and helped make this event a huge success.

“It’s a wonderful example of what can be achieved when the community comes together to be stronger for local children and families. The money raised will make sure families facing unimaginable journeys will never go through them alone.”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for 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 700 children across the Birmingham and wider West Midlands, and almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

Acorns needs around £27,000 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. Find out how you can help Acorns be stronger together for local children and families by visiting our Stronger Together campaign.

For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team at news@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.

Masterchef winner Dan Lee cooking in the kitchen

Masterchef winner Dan Lee cooked up a winning dish to help Acorns Children’s Hospice launch its brand new, state-of-the-art kitchen.

The renowned chef, who won the final of the hit BBC One show, was visiting Acorns in Birmingham to officially open the newly refitted kitchen to help raise awareness of the charity’s vital care for children with life limiting or life threatening conditions.

Dan served up a Michelin-style butternut squash dish with coriander and coconut to accompany the kitchen’s own Caribbean-inspired lunchtime menu.

“I have known Acorns for a while, and I had the privilege of visiting their hospice and got to see the incredible work they were doing. The main reason I cook is to bring people together and to make them happy, and food is a universal language that everyone can relate to. I wanted to do this at Acorns in Birmingham. Like the charity says, we are all stronger together.”

A long and lasting relationship with Acorns

He added: “It really is a charity that’s close to my heart and I learned of the amazing things it does in caring for life limited children and their families across the region. I would like this to be the start of a long and lasting relationship with the charity.”

Dan, along with employees, volunteers and sponsors, officially opened the new kitchen which was fully refitted thanks to local businesses who kindly donated their time, labour, fixtures and fittings for the project.

Dayrooms Kitchens, of Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, provided all labour and materials to refit the kitchen, while Mr U-PVC, based in Wolverhampton, provided new windows. Bion Electrical, also in Wolverhampton, carried out all the electrical work needed.

Nurse Rachel Price, at Acorns in Birmingham, said: “It was so exciting to have celebrity chef Dan in our kitchen to officially open this special space. Our kitchen and dining area means so much to us and our children and families – bringing so many people together to enjoy food, conversation and feel part of one big family.

“Dan served up such a treat and our kitchen team were thrilled to have him cooking alongside them. Huge thanks to Dan, Dayrooms and everyone who gave their time, hard work and commitment to make today possible. Together, we are stronger for local children and families.”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for 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 700 children across the Black Country and wider West Midlands, and almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

Dan Lee visits Acorns in Birmingham to officially open the new kitchen

Acorns needs around £27,000 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.

For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team at news@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.

The Acorns mascots on the pitch with 5 children to pose for picture

This was the moment five proud children walked onto the pitch with their football heroes to kick off another super season of fundraising between Walsall FC and Acorns Children’s Hospice.

The little mascots joined players in front of hundreds of supporters as the club officially announced that it is again supporting Acorns and its work caring for life limited and life threatened children across the Black Country.

Acorns has been named as the Saddlers’ official charity partner for the 2023/24 season as the club and fans once again show their commitment to raising vital funds and awareness of the local lifeline.

Noel Cramer, Director of Supporter Engagement at Acorns, said:

“What an incredibly special day for everyone involved. At Acorns, we’re all about creating memories to treasure forever and seeing the smiles on the faces of the children as they walked out onto the pitch is a day I’m sure many will never forget.”

A memory to treasure forever

“It was the perfect way to celebrate another year of generous support from our friends at Walsall Football Club. We’re so grateful to the Saddlers and their dedicated fans – because of them we are stronger together for children and families across the Black Country.”

The children, who are all supported by Acorns, got huge applause from the crowd as they joined the line-up on Saturday (23 September) for Walsall FC’s clash against Wimbledon. They also got a special tour of the stadium, played football on the pitch, and their families got to watch proudly from the sidelines.

The Saddlers and their fans have raised over £30,700 towards the charity’s vital care for children across the region.

The mascots got to play football on the pitch with Walsall FC’s Swifty

Walsall FC Co-Chairman Leigh Pomlett said: “For several years Walsall Football Club and Acorns have worked in partnership. We are very proud to support this wonderful children’s hospice and we will continue to take an active interest in its progress.”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for 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 700 children across the Black Country and wider West Midlands, and almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

Acorns needs around £27,000 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.

For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team at news@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.

A volunteer at an Acorns shop shows off a stylish pair of shoes.

Shoppers are being challenged to look good, do good and feel good and join the re-loved revolution to help support local children and families.

Acorns Children’s Hospice is calling on supporters to start their journey to sustainable fashion by making second-hand their first choice at the charity’s shops across the West Midlands.

In making the shift to thoughtful thrifting, shoppers will be helping Acorns to continue its vital care for children with life limiting or life threatening conditions and their families.

Gary Pettit, Acorns Director of Retail, said: “It’s an exciting time for sustainable fashion at the moment and where better than your local Acorns shop, where you can make a real difference for local children and families at the same time?”

“We’ve got plenty of great-quality items for all the family at bargain prices, so creating a new wardrobe doesn’t have to cost the earth. Come and rummage through our rails and see what treasures you can find.”

Acorns has over 40 shops on high streets across the West Midlands, packed with high quality, pre-loved ladieswear, menswear, children’s clothes, shoes and accessories.

The charity’s retail network plays a crucial role in raising vital funds towards Acorns care for children and families when they need it most.

Gary added: “Only with the community’s support can we be stronger together and continue to provide our hospice care, which is why making shopping second hand at Acorns your first choice is so important.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to look good, feel good, do good. So whether you’re after something like a cosy coat for the colder months, a new pair of heels for a night out, or you’re thinking of reinventing your style, why not browse the bargains at your local Acorns shop?”

Happy, stylish older woman with yellow hat and blue glasses

For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team at news@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.

A family-run DIY store has shown that saving pennies can really add up after just one collection tin raised an incredible £25,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

E J McGann Hardware and DIY, in Great Barr, has been encouraging customers to round up their purchases to the nearest pound and donate the difference to local children and families for 18 years.

Shop mascot’s toothy grin

Now those pennies have become over £25,000 for Acorns and its work caring for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions.

Shop owner Stuart McGann said: “To raise such an amount makes us feel fantastic We sometimes spend our lives moaning about all the little problems we have, but that pales into insignificance to some things parents go through.

“The fundraising goes back to when my mum and dad played golf, and supported the charity when they were both captains. My dad said if you’ve got a collection box, I will put it in the shop. It’s been here ever since.”

Stuart’s dad Ted and mum Ann have since retired but raising money for Acorns has become a family tradition. The shop also sells golf balls and collects scrap metal to help raise further charity funds, with the overall total now standing at an impressive £25,804.

Even the family’s dog Rambo, a 15-year-old Jack Russell and Pug cross, who is the shop’s mascot, helps spread the word on social media with his ‘toothy grin’.

Stuart added: “We have been in business for 40 years and fundraising for Acorns is something that has been passed down through the years. It’s nice to support a local charity and to give something back to such a worthwhile cause.”

Local shops and businesses are being urged to join the McGann store and get their own collection tins and help Acorns continue to be there for children and families who need the charity’s lifeline care.

Shop Mascot Rambo the dog with a certificate

“We have been in business for 40 years and fundraising for Acorns is something that has been passed down through the years. It’s nice to support a local charity and to give something back to such a worthwhile cause.”

A huge thank you

Claire Snape, Area Fundraising Manager for Acorns Children’s Hospice said: “It really goes to show that pennies do turn into pounds – over £25,000 of them! This is such a wonderful example of the local community coming together and doing their bit to support Acorns. A huge thank you to Stuart, Ted, Ann and Rambo and their amazing customers.

“This support means so much to us and proves that every donation, large or small, really makes a difference to children and families who rely on our care and support. So, if you’ve got space for a collection tin, please get in touch – help us be stronger together.”

For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team at news@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.