A star from TV’s Strictly Come Dancing paid a fab-u-lous visit to Acorns Children’s Hospice giving youngsters and families the cha-cha-chance to dance. Luba Mushtuk, a professional dancer from the famous BBC show, stopped off at Acorns in Birmingham to tour the hospice and learn about its outstanding care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.
‘Beautiful and so human’
Luba said she was inspired to visit after dancing in the Strictly Christmas Special with EastEnders star Nicholas Bailey, who is an ambassador for the charity. The moment I stepped inside, it was just full of beautiful and colourful things,” Luba said.
“I saw how incredible the nurses are who work with the children and families. You can feel the love, the joy and how much heart everyone puts into what they do.
“Touring the hospice was very emotional, but at the same time everyone is working to create wonderful memories, and it was so moving, not only in a sad way but in a way where it’s so humbling and beautiful, and so human.”
The dancer got to look behind the scenes at the vital medical care that the hospice provides, its range of services for symptom management, rehabilitative respite, and emergency and end-of-life care.
She later held a musical dancing session with children, siblings and parents, who also enjoyed a host of fun afternoon activities.
‘Express yourself in any way you can’
Luba said: “Dance is for everyone regardless of disability. I create choreography for people who dance with their arms, their feet, or whatever connects them to the music.
“You can express yourself in any way you can, and I think it’s beautiful.”
She added: “I believe dancing is something very important for all humans. You can connect with yourself, with others, with the music, and when you do you can forget about worries outside.”
Anna DeRosa, Philanthropy Manager at Acorns, said: “We were absolutely thrilled that Luba took the time to come into Acorns and share her incredible energy with children and families.
“Her visit not only created magical memories, be she helped shine a glittering light on the vital work our care teams do every day.”
Caring for children with life-limiting conditions
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 800 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,100 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 £40,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with more than 75% of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community and income from its charity shops.
The entire team at a Birmingham children’s hospice will be inspiring others this March by taking on a charity challenge to walk 100 miles – finishing their feat with a victory lap around Aston Villa football ground. Dedicated colleagues from Acorns Children’s Hospice are putting their best foot forward and collectively counting their steps towards an ambitious target to raise money and awareness for children with life-limiting conditions.
Every mile brings us closer to families
Kate Williams, Children’s Palliative Clinical Lead at Acorns Birmingham, said: “It’s a great challenge and we wanted to step up and inspire others to take part. For us, it is about more than just the physical challenge, it’s about every mile bringing us closer to the families who need us most. We wanted to lead by example and show that when we move together as a team, we can make a huge difference for children who are seriously ill and their families.”
It’s all part of the Walk 100 Miles in March challenge which takes place over the whole month and is inviting people across the area to do up their laces and take part, and at the same time do something amazing for children who are seriously ill.
The Acorns team – including nurses, healthcare assistants, the community care team, family service staff, admin, and facilities colleagues – are plotting a virtual course between Acorns three hospices in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester. It will take a detour to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where many of the children receive treatment, and the Acorns Harborne superstore before the team finishes their journey in person at Villa Park.
Doing something that makes a real difference
Sophie Boreham, Events Manager at Acorns, said: “Whether you walk a little every day, use the treadmill at the gym, or take on longer distances at the weekend in beautiful countryside, each mile you make will mean so much.
“We’re asking each walker to be brilliant and raise £100 for Acorns – that’s just £1 for every mile – and we’re here to support you all the way so get in touch and get that fantastic feeling for doing something that makes a real difference.”
For more information and to register for the Walk 100 miles in March challenge visit www.acorns.org.uk/100
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 800 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,100 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.
This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.
Acorns needs around £40,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with more than 75% of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community and income from its charity shops.
Acorns Children’s Hospice has joined a major televised campaign to help local people protect their families’ futures by offering a free professional Will-writing service. The charity, based in Selly Oak, has come together with more than 100 hospices across the country for the ‘This is Hospice Care’ campaign encouraging people to plan for their future and protect lifeline care.
A FREE professional Will-writing service
In the campaign, Acorns is focusing on its own crucial role in the local community and is offering the free Will-writing service to help supporters protect their loved ones and gain peace of mind without worrying about the cost.
Lindsay Mottram, Legacy Manager for Acorns, said: “There is a common misconception that Wills are just about death, but at Acorns we believe they are entirely about life. Taking the time to write a Will is about looking after the people you love most and ensuring their future is secure. It provides essential peace of mind for your own family.”
She added: “While there is no obligation to leave a gift to Acorns, many people find that once their own family is provided for, including a gift in their will is a beautiful way to be remembered. It’s a powerful way to say that local children matter, ensuring that the splashes in our hydrotherapy pools and the precious moments of joy we provide can continue for generations to come.”
Legacies are vital to Acorns, a charity which cares for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and supports their families through the most difficult times and facing grief.
Get a free Will today by visiting acorns.org.uk/willwriting, or if you have any questions contact the Acorns Legacy team by emailing legacy@acorns.org.uk or telephoning 01564 825039.
What is Acorns?
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 800 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,100 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.
This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community. Acorns needs around £40,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with more than 75% of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community and income from its charity shops.
Did Santa bring you a gorgeous gift… that you already own? Did you get something fabulous and fashionable, but it doesn’t quite fit? Or have the festivities left your wardrobes and cupboards feeling a little too bloated?
If a gift isn’t quite your cup of tea
Before you mistle-toss them into the attic, why don’t you turn your unwanted Christmas gifts into a lifeline for seriously ill children by donating them to Acorns Children’s Hospice?
Acorns is calling on generous supporters to continue the spirit of giving and help replenish the shelves at its charity shops across the region, which will help to provide vital care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and support for their families.
Gary Pettit, Director of Retail at Acorns, said: “We know that every Christmas people receive many generous gifts they might not want or need, whether it’s a gadget, a home accessory or something else that doesn’t fit their style.
“Don’t feel guilty about it. If a gift isn’t quite your cup of tea, then let it be a lifeline for a local child instead.”
He added: “Bring your items to one of our shops and you’ll know that not only are you continuing the festive spirit of generosity, but you’re helping children and families at a time when they need it the most.”
Turn unwanted gifts into something special
Acorns has more than 40 shops which sell a huge range of high-quality, pre-loved items ranging from fashion, childrenswear, accessories, homeware, books, furniture and décor.
Gary added: “Maybe last Christmas, or the year before, someone gave you a gift that’s now sitting in the back of the wardrobe gathering dust? Turn it something special by donating it to Acorns this year.”
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 800 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,100 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.
This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.
A football legend from Walsall FC brought a goal-load of festive smiles when he stopped into Acorns Children’s Hospice in the Black Country.
Saddlers fans are fantastic supporters
Head Coach Mat Sadler scored a hit and helped to boost the Christmas spirit with armfuls of gifts for children who are cared for by the charity’s Walsall-based hospice and have life limiting or life threatening conditions.
The visit was organised in advance of a matchday takeover at Bescot Stadium on 29th December when supporters are urged to ‘bring a pound to the ground’ and help Acorns fund its lifeline care.
Emma Rolinson, Area Fundraiser at Acorns, said: “Saddlers fans are fantastic supporters, both the for the team and for Acorns, and we’re so thrilled to be taking an army of Acorns volunteers to the ground again.
“Every pound donated helps us to provide vital care for children and families who are facing the darkest moments in their lives, especially so at this time of year. Come along and wave your scarf and cheer loudly for Acorns.”
The charity’s larger-than-life mascot Alex the Acorn will be in attendance to join the on-pitch fun, and there will also be an Acorns gazebo with a tombola and special prizes throughout the day.
Incredible support from Walsall FC
For fans wanting to make card donations, volunteers will be armed with card machines and those who can’t make it on matchday but still want to show their support, can text ACORNS to 70085 to donate £5 (plus one standard rate message).
Emma said: “It was fantastic to see Mat visit our hospice and he came with a selection of toys kindly donated by club partners and supporters. He met children taking part in crafts and spent time talking to our care team.
“We’re so proud to have such incredible and ongoing support from Walsall FC and fans. Not only is this support a lifeline for the hundreds of children who reply on our care, it helps them to help them create lasting memories together.”
Walsall FC will be playing against Oldham at the Poundland Bescot Stadium on Monday, 29th December, kick-off is at 7.45pm.
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 800 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,100 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.
This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.
Acorns needs around £40,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with more than 70% of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.
Top players from Aston Villa brought some goal-den smiles to children and families when they paid a special festive visit to Acorns Children’s Hospice in Birmingham.
Heroes score a victory
Villa Captain John McGinn and members of the team scored a victory when they visited the hospice in Selly Oak which provides vital care to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and support for their families.
After bringing in armfuls of gifts, they mingled and joined the festive fun.
Matron Jo Fisher said: “Welcoming the team meant so much to the children, families and staff. The visit brought excitement, laughter and moments of joy which will be remembered for a lifetime.
“It’s incredibly special when they see their heroes and taking the time to connect with them, and we’re very grateful to the team for making the day such a positive and memorable one.”
The players took time to chat, sign autographs and hand out festive gifts. They also enjoyed playing football – with FIFA on the Xbox.
Abi Coulson, Senior Manager of Corporate Partnerships, said: “We’re so thrilled that Aston Villa could once again visit for this special event, which has become a huge tradition at the hospice since our wonderful partnership began in 2008.
Villa helps create incredible memories
“Our relationship with Villa continues to grow from strength to strength and we look forward to an exciting year ahead in 2026, and for this important tradition to continue for years to come.”
Abi added: “Not only do visits like these help create incredible memories for the children and families we care for, it also brings happiness for them at a time when they’re facing some of the darkest moments of their lives.”
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 800 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,100 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.
This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.
Acorns needs around £40,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with more than 70% of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.
A massive new Acorns superstore has opened its doors in Walsall – the charity’s first ever store on a retail park – featuring a huge range of furniture and a dedicated book reading area.
Our first ever store on a retail park
Thousands of items have been stacked on the shelves including pre-loved clothes, furniture, electrical items, household goods, children’s toys and bric-a-brac with all sales helping to provide vital care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.
The shop on Bescot Retail Park measures a whopping 10,000 sq. ft. total space and has a dedicated area for donations received, along with free parking. Volunteers are also being sought to help sort through stock and help with the day-to-day operations of the superstore.
Gary Pettit, Retail Director at Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to share this first glimpse into our brand-new superstore which features a fantastic range of top-quality items available to buy for amazing prices.
“This is an exciting milestone for us – our first ever store on a retail park. It means we can offer an even greater selection of quality pre-loved items while raising money directly for families caring for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.”
The store is open from 9am to 8pm from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 7pm on Saturdays and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays. It can be contacted on 01922 422508 or by emailing shop.bescot@acorns.org.uk
Donate furniture – or your time
Donation points have been set up outside the unit, giving supporters an easy way to drop off good-quality items and help keep the shelves stocked. The Bescot superstore team is also appealing for furniture donations, with free collections available which can be arranged by visiting acorns.org.uk/collection or emailing furnituresupport@acorns.org.uk
And if you want to gift your time, volunteering is the perfect way to support Acorns and its care for local children and families.
Gary added: “It takes a community to keep our network of shops running, from our brilliant shoppers and generous donors to our incredible volunteers who make it all possible.
“Volunteering in our shops and superstores is incredibly rewarding – not only are you bringing them to life on high streets and now retail parks across the region, you’re helping children and families get the care and support they need. If you can spare a day or two or even a couple of hours, please get in touch.”
For further details about becoming a Volunteer visit acorns.org.uk/volunteer
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 800 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,100 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.
This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.
Acorns needs around £40,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with more than 75% of that amount coming from generous donations, fundraising and income from Acorns shops and superstores.
A phenomenal £118,136 has been raised for Acorns Children’s Hospice by a local law firm following ‘an incredible’ three-year partnership with the charity.
‘We’re so very proud’
Award-winning Talbots Law demonstrated the power of the partnership by supporting key events such as Bubble Rush, the Worcester City Runs, the Alton Towers Fun Run and a major summer appeal.
The total raised is being used to provide vital care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as support for their families.
Dave Hodgetts, Chief Executive at Talbots Law, said: “Over the past three years staff have been overwhelmingly committed to supporting Acorns, and it’s absolutely amazing that we can hold a cheque for such a fantastic amount. We’re so very proud to come here today and celebrate that achievement.
“We’ve supported as many events as we could and wherever possible the team has really stepped up to help. I do get emotional and humbled when I visit Acorns. It’s an extraordinary charity and we’re honoured to be able to support it.”
Talbots Law has been the headline sponsor at Acorns Bubble Rush, taking part as a team each year to enjoy the bubbly fun. The firm also sponsored the Hannah’s Hearts appeal which saw hundreds of bespoke metal hearts being planted in a huge installation in the county.
Talbots Law has been remarkable
Additionally, it supported the charity’s Celebrate Your Star campaign, participated in a ‘Hunted’ challenge and a team trekked Snowdon and Hadrian’s Wall.
The firm also hosted three Talbots Law Golf Days, alongside volunteering, regular donations and other fundraising events.
Abi Coulson, Senior Manager of Corporate Partnerships, said: “Talbots Law has been remarkable. We’ve worked on so many different events together and it means so much to Acorns to be partnered with such an incredible organisation.
“The money they have raised is absolutely crucial, and because of Talbots Law and organisations like them we can continue providing vital care to children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and support for their families.”
She added: “Every business which chooses to support Acorns helps us give a voice to children who need it the most and the impact that can have is immense. It ensures we can be there to provide care every single day, 365 days a year. We really couldn’t do without the support of our local business community.”
Join us and support Acorns today
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 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.
This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.
Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with more than 70% 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
When little Alfie Johnson was born the world was perfect – until doctors revealed he had suffered life-limiting injuries during birth. Dad Paul tells the family’s heartbreaking story as they remember Alfie’s life and beautiful smile as part of Acorns Children’s Hospice’s emotional Celebrate Your Star campaign. Now read their story and watch the video below.
‘A day we’ll never forget’
Alfie’s nursery was painted, his new cot was ready, and first-time dad Paul ecstatically phoned around the family with the joyous news of his son’s birth. Despite Alfie being born blue, nurses said it was nothing to worry about and he was taken as a precaution for neonatal care.
“I was so proud, he was moving around and kicking and I remember saying excitedly to my wife Vickie: ‘Look he’s going to be a footballer’,” Paul recalls.
Heartbreakingly, Alfie wasn’t just wriggling and stretching – he was, in fact, having a seizure.
“That’s when the walls closed in,” Paul said. “You’re taken into that quiet room, and the door is closed behind you, and they told us Alfie had suffered permanent brain damage during labour.
“We were heartbroken – destroyed. We’d never experienced such a high, and then four hours later, we have never experienced such a crushing low. It’s a day we’ll never, ever forget.”
Unwavering love and care
The family is telling their story and remembering Alfie’s life as part of Celebrate Your Star – a moving, festive campaign from Acorns Children’s Hospice which invites people to pay tribute to much-missed family members by dedicating a star in their memory and making a donation towards the charity’s vital care for seriously ill children.
In return, a beautiful star keepsake will be sent to their home, and another hung on trees at special festive events across the region on 6th and 7th December, to which everyone is invited to attend.
Alfie fought against the odds and after three weeks in hospital was discharged. He was later diagnosed with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, a term for a brain injury that happens when it does not receive enough blood or oxygen during birth.
Despite having multiple complex medical needs, Alfie was given unwavering love and around-the-clock care he needed at home. It would be six years before he and his family visited Acorns Children’s Hospice for the first time.
Hospices aren’t just a place to die
Paul said: “We’d been aware of Acorns for many years, but it isn’t what people expect. Hospices aren’t just a place for people to die, they’re very much a place for people to live.”
He added: “When I walked through the doors of Acorns, everything was bright, people were so friendly, and nothing was too much trouble. For the first time in our lives, we were able to leave Alfie in the care of someone else. They were a saviour to us.”
Alfie had regular stays at Acorns and his family have very happy memories of their visits, taking part in many joyful activities, including Christmas-themed events.
At the same time the family could rely on Acorns expert children’s nurses, health care assistants, tailored medical care, rehabilitative respite, and a range of specialist therapies.
“We had very special times for many years at Acorns,” Paul said. “Although Alfie couldn’t talk, you knew exactly how he was feeling. When he was happy he had a big, beautiful smile.
“He was a wonderful character an in between the difficult moments, he brought a lot of joy to a lot of people and he was smart too.”
Sadly, just days after Alfie’s 16th birthday he became critically ill and he was transferred to Acorns for end-of-life care. After his death, Alfie’s memory has continued to live on with a JustGiving page, and through the charity that family and friends had earlier set up in his name in 2009 called the Friends of Alfie Johnson. Together the family has raised more than £38,000 for Acorns.
Paul said: “Christmas is a special time, and we always set a place for Alfie at the table. Things will never be the same, and you never get over losing a child, but there’s so much of Alfie’s life to celebrate.
“Everyone who’d ever met him, and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, will remember his smile. His smile will stay with us forever. Alfie is a star who still shines.”This Christmas, the family will continue to remember Alfie’s bright shining light through Acorns Celebrate Your Star, kindly being sponsored by award-winning law firm Irwin Mitchell.
Ben Gilchrist, In Memory Manager at Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “By dedicating a star you will help give the children and families who use Acorns invaluable memories throughout the festive season and into the New Year and to keep forever.”
He added: “Together, our galaxy of stars will help give the children and families who use Acorns magical moments throughout Christmas and into 2026. When you choose to Celebrate Your Star your gift will be a light in the darkness.”
For further details about Celebrate Your Star and how you can celebrate the memory of a loved one visit www.acorns.org.uk/star
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 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.
This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.
Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with more than 70% of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.
A very special celebrity gardener was invited along to open a brand new garden at Acorns Children’s Hospice in Walsall – completed after years of planning and months of construction work.
TV gardener David Domoney, famous for Love Your Garden and appearances on This Morning, cut the ribbon to the garden with a host of invited guests.
The £200,000 project was only made possible with generous funding from Greenfingers, a charity which creates gardens for children in hospices across the UK.
‘The Centred Garden’
It features colourful zones for children’s activities, sensory enhancements, paths and arches, a sunken trampoline, and a basket swing. Every bedroom in the hospice looks out onto the new garden, which also features planters, and multi-coloured canopies.
The designs were created by VaRa Garden Design together with the team at Taylor Landscape and Design Ltd.
It has been named ‘The Centred Garden’ and a special sign was also unveiled.
Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers, said the opening of the garden was a ‘truly special day for everyone involved’.
“From the delicious cakes to the stunning garden and the uplifting atmosphere, everything was perfect,” she said. “To see the children enjoying the outdoors was incredibly moving and a reminder of what the garden’s design and creation was all about.”
A huge thanks to Greenfingers, Acorns staff, volunteers and everyone who was involved in the design, planning and making the project a reality.
Why help for Acorns can’t wait
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 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.
This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.
Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with more than 70% 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
