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.
What do Pringles, long-lost loves and lost iTunes libraries have in common? See the fascinating list below to find out.
Acorns has released a list of the top 10 most amazing and surprising facts as the charity offers a free professional Will-writing service as part of a national campaign.
This list, compiled by the charity’s legacy team, ranges from the romantic to the bizarre, while highlighting serious legal pitfalls that catches out thousands of people every year.
- Digital music isn’t yours to give away – If you have thousands of pounds of music on iTunes or Amazon Prime you actually don’t own the tracks. When you die, the licence just expires. Sad times.
- The shortest Will in history – The shortest valid Will on record is widely cited as consisting of just three words: “All to wife”.
- The marriage ‘trap’ – In England and Wales, getting married usually CANCELS any existing Will you have, and your new spouse could inherit the bulk of your estate (and potentially disinheriting your children).
- Getting divorced – Unlike getting married, divorce DOES NOT cancel your Will and parts of your estate could end up going to distant relatives you barely know.
- Secret money – You can leave money to someone privately, like a long-lost love or an old friend, without their name appearing on record.
- The ‘murder’ rule – You can’t inherit from someone you have unlawfully killed. Rightly so, so don’t even think about it.
- A rose every single day – Comedian Jack Benny left a large sum to a local florist with instructions to deliver one red rose every day to his wife for the rest of her life.
- Buried in a Pringles tube – The man who designed the Pringles tube was so proud of his accomplishment that he requested that his ashes be buried in one.
- You can’t leave money to your pet – If your cat was hoping for a diamond collar when you die, they’ll be disappointed.
- Making a Will can be completely free – A free Will-writing service is available with Acorns Children’s Hospice. Perhaps the most amazing fact of all!
Lindsay Mottram, Legacy Manager for Acorns, said: “Wills are often seen as a gloomy topic, but as our list shows, they can be full of personality, romance and even humour.
“Number 10 is our favourite – and means you can make a Will right now without worrying about the cost.”
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.”
The charity also released this list to bust the myths that surround making a Will.
Top 5 myths – true or false?
- Wills are only for the rich – False. Everyone has something worth leaving no matter what the size.
- Making a Will is morbid – False. A Will gives peace of mind and protects your family.
- Wills are just for the elderly or ill – False. Everyone over 18 should have a Will, especially parents.
- Making a Will is complicated – False. Professional Will writers make it simple and stress free.
- I don’t need a Will because I’m married – False. Without a Will, your spouse may not inherit everything.
Legacies are vital to Acorns and the care provided for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support for their families through the most difficult times and facing grief.
Lindsey said: “By leaving Acorns a gift in your Will, no matter the size, you are ensuring that families going through the unimaginable will receive the care they deserve.”
The national campaign – called This is Hospice Care – features TV advertising and aims to raise awareness about the crucial role that hospices play in the community.
Get a free Will today, or if you have any questions contact the Acorns Legacy team by emailing legacy@acorns.org.uk or telephoning 01564 825039.
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.
As part of Acorns three-year volunteering strategy that was launched in April 2025, one of the improvements highlighted was our current volunteer journey. With that and more in mind, we decided to invest in ‘Assemble’, a cloud-based platform designed to help us to efficiently manage our volunteer program.
What will Assemble do?
The launch of Assemble in Spring 2026 will speed up and simplify the recruitment and onboarding journey for any new volunteers and enable our volunteer managers to track where on the journey each volunteer is. By automating the referencing and compliance side of things it will save admin time whilst ensuring that we are still adhering to our safer recruitment practices. The safety of the children that we care for is paramount in all decisions that we take, but we also want to make sure that all volunteers, no matter how they support us, are safeguarded whether that be in retail, fundraising, or care.
Down the line Assemble will also help improve communications, organising events and much more. If you are not tech savvy no need to worry, when we do come to rolling our Volunteer Management System out, we will be providing simple to use instructions as well as training to all of our managers.
Updates coming soon
More details will be forthcoming over the next few months, but until then continue volunteering for Acorns and keep up the outstanding work you do!
For two festive nights in December, Acorns Black Country Hospice was transformed into a winter wonderland for its much-loved annual Santa’s Grotto event. Each year, Nationwide kindly raise funds to make this special event possible for the children and families at the hospice.
A festive winter wonderland
Eleven dedicated volunteers at our Black Country Hospice signed up to support the event, helping to serve mince pies and hot chocolate and escort families through the glittering walkways to Santa’s Grotto where they had the chance to meet Santa.
After meeting Santa and receiving their gifts, children and families relaxed with festive treats, enjoyed face painting, and were entertained by a magician who amazed guests with plate spinning and balloon creations.
Administration Volunteer, Vic Shuck said: “It was a wonderful evening. All the children and families thoroughly enjoyed receiving their gifts from Santa and left the hospice with their faces beaming.”
Thank you to our supporters
Events like this would not be possible without the dedication and generosity of our volunteers and supporters, and the hospice is incredibly grateful to everyone involved, especially Nationwide for helping to create such special moments.
Make supporting Acorns your New Year’s Resolution
2026 is here and Acorns is calling on the community to make a New Year’s resolution that truly matters.
From unforgettable challenges to family fun, volunteering, and everyday acts of kindness, there are countless ways to support local children with life-limiting conditions and their families who rely on Acorns every day.
To give you some inspiration for the year ahead, Acorns has revealed its Top 10 ways to do good – and feel great – in 2026:
- Give regularly and give reassurance
A monthly donation helps Acorns plan ahead and be there for children and families whenever they need support.
- Volunteer your time
From hospice support to charity shops and community roles, giving a few hours can make a life-changing difference.
- Donate your pre-loved items
Clear out your wardrobe, stock our shops, and help fund vital care every single day.
- Support Acorns through your workplace
Choose Acorns as your charity partner and fundraise as a team for a cause that matters.
- Leave a lasting legacy with Acorns
Leave a gift to Acorns in your Will and create a lasting impact for children and families. Look out for Acorns FREE Will-writing service in February, offering a simple and stress-free way to plan your legacy.
- Walk 100 Miles in March
Build healthy habits, boost your wellbeing, and turn every step into support for local families.
- Fundraise your way
Whether it’s a coffee morning, quiz night or personal challenge, Acorns helpful guides and brilliant fundraising team will support you every step of the way.
- Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime overseas adventure
From an Indian Himalayas Trek to an Arctic Survival Challenge, experience something extraordinary while supporting children’s hospice care.
- Run the London Marathon for #TeamAcorns
Use your ballot place to take on the world’s most iconic race in support of local children and families.
- Spread the word
Share Acorns story with your friends and family – public support is vital to keeping Acorns hospice care going. You can also follow Acorns on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Vicky Smith, Director of Income Generation at Acorns, said: “The New Year is a time when many of us want to feel healthier, happier and more connected. Supporting Acorns lets you do all of that – while helping children and families who need us more than ever.
“It takes a whole community to keep Acorns running. Whatever way you choose to get involved in 2026, you’ll be helping us provide the care and support seriously ill children and their families deserve.”
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 and in family homes.
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.
Make 2026 the year you do something amazing. Find out how you can get involved at: www.acorns.org.uk/make-a-difference
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.