Ambassadors play a vital role in helping bring Acorns mission to life for the wider public, and we are incredibly grateful for the passion and dedication of our wonderful Ambassador, Kia Pegg. A BAFTA-nominated actor, children’s TV presenter and host, Kia has worked tirelessly to help share Acorns mission to positively impact children with short lives across the Midlands.
Kia’s incredible career
Kia first rose to prominence through her role in The Dumping Ground, before becoming a familiar face to viewers nationwide through her work on BBC’s Doctors. Her talent, warmth and infectious positivity make her a natural ambassador for Acorns, helping her connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Since joining #TeamAcorns, Kia has thrown herself wholeheartedly into supporting our work. She kindly joined us as the star guest at the opening of our Birmingham hospice fete and has worked tirelessly to personally fundraise vital funds to support the delivery of our specialist palliative care services.
How Kia has supported Acorns
In 2025, Kia played a key role in helping Acorns raise over £39,000 through our Big Give campaign, using her voice and platform to inspire public support. Kia rallied the public to support our Big Give campaign, providing crucial funds, as Acorns relies on donations for around two thirds of our income. Kia’s work helps us continue to be there for children and families when they need us most.
Kia has also brought light, laughter and star quality to many of our fundraising events. She helped illuminate our Glow Walk in 2024, completing the challenge alongside her adorable dog, Kermit. In 2025, Kia and her new puppy, Kipper, also took part in Acorns Step Into Christmas challenge, raising further funds to support our lifeline care.
Creating magical memories
Beyond fundraising, Kia generously gives her time to visit children and families in our hospices, spending time with our care teams and adding a little extra sparkle to their day. Her kindness helps children feel truly special and supports families to create magical memories together.
Thank you for your support Kia
We are so grateful for everything Kia does for Acorns. Her energy, compassion and commitment continue to make a huge difference to the lives of children and families across our region, and we are incredibly proud to have her support.
Find out more about all our Celebrity Ambassadors and the difference they make to Acorns.
Star of stage and screen and proud Acorns Ambassador, Nicholas Bailey has shown incredible commitment and support for Acorns and the children and families we care for.
Nick captured the nation’s hearts when he appeared on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing over the Christmas period, and he has also recently returned to our screens on the much-loved soap EastEnders, reprising his long-standing role and Dr Anthony Trueman. Alongside his acting career, Nick is also a Research Fellow at the Centre for Responsible Business at the University of Birmingham, where he is completing a PhD in Accounting and Finance, bringing passion and drive to everything he does.
Nick’s advocacy for Save the Grant
Nick has kindly supported Acorns to raise almost £90,000 by shining a spotlight for our mission across two annual Big Give campaigns, supporting our palliative care services.
Nick has also been a powerful advocate during Acorns landmark campaign to save the Children’s Hospice Grant. As an Ambassador, he proudly joined Acorns out in the community encouraging people to sign the petition and help secure vital government funding for children’s hospices.
Thanks to overwhelming support from our community, the campaign received an incredible 36,718 signatures. In October 2025, the Government confirmed a three-year muti-million pound plan to provide funding for children’s hospices across England – a hugely significant moment for the sector and the families who rely on this vital care.
Thank you Nick for all your support
We are deeply grateful for everything Nick has done for Acorns. His enthusiasm, compassion and commitment continue to make a meaningful difference for children with short lives and the families who love them, and we’re incredibly proud to have him as part of the team at Acorns.
Find out more about all our Celebrity Ambassadors and the difference they make to Acorns.
We’re delighted to announce that former Aston Villa striker and proud Brummie, Gabby Agbonlahor, has joined Acorns as our newest Ambassador.
Gabby has been a long-standing supporter of Acorns throughout his football career and made a welcome return to our Birmingham hospice recently to officially take on this new role. During his visit, Gabby spent time with children and families, as well as our dedicated staff and volunteers, seeing first-hand the difference Acorns makes every day.
Gabby’s reflection on becoming an Ambassador
He was struck by just how much the hospice has evolved since his early visits as a Villa player. From our state-of-the-art family care suites and ‘special bedrooms’, which offer comfort, privacy and dignity at the most difficult times. The visit was deeply moving and reinforced the importance of the care we provide.
Gabby said: “It’s a real honour to become an Ambassador for Acorns. I’ve known the charity for years from my time at Aston Villa and the work they do is incredible. The care they provide means so much to local families – they’re always there, offering help and support when it’s needed most.”
Gabby’s connection to Acorns is also deeply personal. His own family has experienced our care and support first-hand, giving a unique understanding of the impact Acorns has.
Gabby’s determination to champion Acorns
Now a familiar voice on TalkSPORT, the Birmingham-born football legend continues to show his passion for the city and the West Midlands. Through this new partnership, Gabby is determined to use his profile to champion Acorns and the vital work we do.
“Acorns needs the community’s backing now more than ever, so as Ambassador I want to do everything I can to raise awareness and funds to help them continue their amazing work across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
“This city means everything to me. Being able to give something back through Acorns feels really special, and I’m proud to join Team Acorns.”
Thank for joining #TeamAcorns Gabby Agbonlahor
We’re incredibly proud to welcome Gabby to #TeamAcorns and are excited to see the difference his support will help make for local children and families, now and in the future.
Find out more about all our Celebrity Ambassadors and the difference they make to Acorns.
Acorns is incredibly grateful for the continued support of our wonderful Ambassador, fashion icon John Scott. Over the past two years, John has worked to raise awareness of our vision to provide outstanding specialist care to every child and their family who need us, now and in the future.
Through his support of two annual Big Give campaigns, John has helped raise almost £90,000 to support Acorns palliative care services: an incredible achievement that has made a real difference to the children and families we care for.
John’s impact on Acorns Save the Grant campaign
John also stood alongside our children and families during our campaign to save the Children’s Hospice Grant, calling on the community to sign our petition and help protect vital government funding. Thanks to overwhelming support from our community, the campaign received an incredible 36,718 signatures.
In October 2025, the Government confirmed a three-year muti-million pound plan to provide funding for children’s hospices across England. We are deeply thankful for John’s commitment to helping us connect with the public and amplify our message.
John’s inspiring career
John’s career is as creative as it is inspiring. He began as a gown maker and pattern cutter, working with the Royal Ballet and on theatre productions across London’s West End. His expertise later led him into television, where he found success as a costume supervisor on hit shows before spending 10 years as the resident fashion guru on ITV’s This Morning.
More recently John has been the face of TVs Sewing Quarter and now presents Sewing Street each week, sharing sewing projects and textiles advice with audiences nationwide. His bubbly personality shines through in everything he does, as does his passion for connecting with people and building community.
Reflection on Acorns hospices
Acorns has been close to John’s heart for decades. Reflecting on his first visit, he said: “It was about 20 years ago I first came across Acorns Children’s Hospice. I was sent here as a roving reporter for ITV’s flagship daytime show This Morning to do a Christmas story on life at the hospice.
“On the train there I conjured up all sorts of images of bare hospital-like bedrooms, everyone talking in hushed tones and an overall air of sadness and heavy heartedness.
“I could not have been more wrong. The place was overflowing with love, laughter and positivity and the dedication of the staff was second to none. It truly affected me.”
Thank you for your continuous support John
John’s support as an Ambassador helps Acorns to combat the misconceptions around children’s hospices and raise awareness of the care, joy, and special memories our teams help create for families. His work continues to help highlight our purpose: to positively impact children with short lives.
We are so grateful to have him on board as part of #TeamAcorns and so proud of the difference his support makes.
Find out more about all our Celebrity Ambassadors and the difference they make to Acorns.
On Thursday 7 December 2023, the world lost a remarkable soul – Benjamin Zephaniah. A trailblazing poet, writer, musician, activist, and proud Brummie, Benjamin left an indelible mark on British culture and on the hearts of all who knew him.
At Acorns Children’s Hospice, we remember him not only for his many talents but for the deep joy and warmth he brought to our children and families.
Over the years, Benjamin became a cherished friend of Acorns. His visits to our hospices were always moments of pure magic – filled with poems, laughter, songs, and stories that lifted spirits and lit up rooms. One unforgettable visit took place in December 2019, when Benjamin joined us at our Black Country hospice during the Christmas season.
Becoming an Acorns Patron
Families and staff alike were moved by his generous spirit, as he delighted children with his unique blend of humour and heart. He later wrote about the visit in an article for The Guardian, capturing the essence of what made that day so special.
It was during this visit that Benjamin formed a meaningful connection with Acorns Ambassador Assya Shabir – a bond that would grow into a lasting friendship. The following year, a conversation between the pair was featured on BBC Radio 4, offering listeners a glimpse into their shared compassion and mutual admiration.
In 2021, Benjamin became an official Patron of Acorns.
It was a role he embraced with genuine pride, bringing not just his name, but his heart to the cause. He deeply understood our ethos – that beyond the vital clinical and emotional support we provide, Acorns is a place where families can make treasured memories, even in the most uncertain of times.
Benjamin’s thoughts on Acorns
In his own words, Benjamin once said of Acorns:
“I am so inspired by the kids, and I also have an enormous amount of respect for the people who work there. Not only do they care for these kids, some of whom are not expected to reach adulthood; they also look after their mums, dads, brothers and sisters, even grandparents. The existence of children’s hospices is something many of us feel uncomfortable with – most people tend to associate hospices with older people. I was one of them, until I first visited. Those working and volunteering there do everything they can to make special memories for the children and their families. I have rarely been to a place where love, happiness and joy were so abundant. I have never felt a hint of doom or gloom.”
Benjamin Zephaniah mural
Benjamin had an extraordinary ability to connect with everyone he met. He saw all people as equal, valued and loved – regardless of ability, background, or status. It was this sincerity, humility and compassion that made him so beloved by our Acorns family, and why his legacy will forever be part of our story.
In July this year, we honoured Benjamin’s life and contributions with a striking new mural, unveiled in the gardens of our Birmingham hospice. Benjamin’s family chose the Birmingham garden as a home for this memorial – a place that held deep meaning for him.
The unveiling was a moving celebration, bringing together his family, Acorns patrons, ambassadors, and staff to reflect on the life of a man who gave so generously of himself. Benjamin was a steadfast supporter of Acorns – raising awareness, advocating for our work, and helping to secure vital funds.
His role as Patron wasn’t just symbolic; it was an extension of his deeply held belief in compassion, justice, and care.
Remembering Benjamin Zephaniah
As we remember Benjamin Zephaniah, we hold close the memories he helped create, the lives he touched, and the joy he brought into our hospices. His spirit lives on in the laughter of children, the strength of families, and the love that surrounds our work every day.
Thank you, Benjamin – for your words, your wisdom, and your unwavering heart.
A striking new mural honouring the life and legacy of the late renowned poet and proud Brummie Benjamin Zephaniah was unveiled on Friday (18 July) in the gardens of Acorns Children’s Hospice in Birmingham.
The mural, created by an anonymous artist, replaces an earlier tribute in Hockley that was mistakenly painted over. The family went on to choose the gardens of Acorns in Birmingham as the new location for the memorial, a place that held deep meaning for Benjamin who was a spirited Patron of the charity.
The unveiling brought together members of Benjamin’s family, Acorns patrons and ambassadors, and employees for a heartfelt celebration of his life and unwavering support for the charity.
Benjamin was a long-standing and devoted supporter of Acorns, giving his time to raise awareness and vital funds for its work. His dedication to the charity led him to become an official patron in 2021 – a role he embraced with genuine joy and deep pride.
Trevor Johnson, Chief Executive of Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “Benjamin Zephaniah was more than a poet – he was a powerful voice for justice, creativity and countless causes close to his heart. We were so fortunate to have him as a patron and a friend of Acorns.
“This beautiful mural is not just a tribute to his extraordinary life, but also offers a space for reflection, togetherness and connection. It’s a place where his family and the community can remember not only Benjamin, but other loved ones no longer with us.
“Benjamin believed greatly in the ethos of Acorns, not only as a place of expert clinical care, but also a place of love, dignity and cherished memory-making for children and families facing the most difficult circumstances. He once encapsulated his sentiments about Acorns in an article for The Guardian: ‘I have rarely been to a place where love, happiness and joy were so abundant. I have never felt a hint of doom or gloom.’
“One of Benjamin’s most memorable visits took place in December 2019, when he shared poetry and stories with families at our Black Country hospice. More than a brilliant poet, Benjamin was a magnetic speaker, whose voice and ability to connect left a lasting impression on all who met him.
“His presence and voice will always be remembered at Acorns with great affection. We are immensely proud to honour his memory with this mural.”
The atmosphere was one of celebration and remembrance on the day, with guests moved to tears during the unveiling. Words were heard from Acorns Chief Executive, Trevor Johnson, Benjamin’s brother, Tippa Naphtali, and Acorns President, Kay Alexander MBE.
Tippa Naphtali, Benjamin’s brother, said: “This project has been a real mission of passion for Benjamin’s siblings ever since the original public mural that appeared in Hockley shortly after his death was painted over by Council contractors to our utter dismay.
“Subsequently working with the Council and contractors it was agreed to reinstate the mural, but we thought that a better and more meaningful location would be at Acorns Children’s Hospice of which Benjamin was a patron for a number of years.
“We are so excited about the unveiling of this mural which will be a long term memorial to our brother, and a fitting and inspirational presence for the children and families that Acorns supports.”
After the unveiling, Benjamin’s brother, Tippa, graciously presented a painted canvas of Benjamin to the hospice, a number of which are being sold with all proceeds going directly to Acorns.
Dotted around the hospice gardens were also small plaques created by some of the children in the hospice, each displaying a verse from Benjamin’s children’s poem, ‘Nature Trail’.
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 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
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ozzy Osbourne and send our heartfelt condolences to Sharon and the entire Osbourne family at this incredibly difficult time.
Ozzy was more than a global rock icon – he was a true son of Birmingham whose legacy transcended music. As the frontman of Black Sabbath, he not only pioneered a genre and inspired generations, he carried the pride of Birmingham and the West Midlands with him on every world stage he performed.
For us at Acorns, Ozzy’s generosity and compassion will never be forgotten. His decision, alongside Black Sabbath and Sharon Osbourne, to support Acorns during their unforgettable ‘Back to the Beginning’ show at Villa Park was a moment of pure magic. It was a tribute not only to their extraordinary musical journey, but to the community that shaped them – a community we are proud to serve every day.
That night and in the weeks since, thanks to Ozzy, our children’s hospice care has been embraced by people across the world. Families who so often can feel unseen have been celebrated by millions.
It feels especially fitting that the world was able to see Ozzy’s brilliance one more time, doing what he loved, in the city he called home, surrounded by fans who adored him.
Ozzy’s legacy with Acorns will live on. He didn’t just help raise vital funds, he helped raise awareness. He helped people see the love, the strength, and the fullness with which children and families at Acorns live their lives, often with the same fire and passion that Ozzy himself was known for.
His passing leaves a silence that will be deeply felt. But his voice, his legacy, and the love he shared will echo for generations.
Thank you, Ozzy, for the music.
Thank you for the memories.
And thank you for standing with our children and families when it mattered most.
With love and deepest gratitude,
Your friends at Acorns Children’s Hospice 🧡
An online sensation and former Love Island star brought some glitz and glamour to Acorns Children’s Hospice when she hosted a special pamper day – and it was ‘skincredible’.
Liberty Poole, who has a million followers on Instagram and also starred on Dancing on Ice, is now a proud Ambassador for the charity and said she wanted to do something special for the siblings and to raise awareness of Acorns and its vital care for seriously ill children.
Liberty said: “At this time of year it can be difficult for families caring for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions, so I wanted to arrange a pamper day for some of the siblings.
“Acorns is close to my heart and I’ve always been good with kids, and I wanted to get involved and give something back. So I decided on a pamper day as they might not be able to do it at home.”
Liberty’s work to inspire young girls
A team of make-up artists, hair stylists, nail clinicians and skin care specialists joined Liberty for the event. All the girls were ‘made up’ with big smiles after being treated to relaxing facials, sparkling nails, professional make-up sessions and a goody bag with pampering treats.
Liberty said: “I’m a big believer in what’s meant to be and after I did Love Island I lost touch with reality for a couple of years in brand deals. It took three years to realise who I am.
“I’m a girl’s girl, I’m all about body positivity and I want to inspire young girls to inspire themselves.”
As an Ambassador for Acorns, Liberty will continue her support and will help raise vital funds and awareness of the charity’s lifeline work at its hospices and in the community.
A perfect pampering day
Liberty added: “So many parents go through unimaginable challenges, and Acorns brings light. You see how much heart and soul goes into the hospice, and the passion shown by the care team. It makes me so proud to be an Ambassador for the charity.
“I wanted the siblings to be uplifted and to make them feel good about themselves. I wanted to do something amazing and this felt right.”
Anna DeRosa, Philanthropy Manager for Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “What a perfect pampering day. The girls spent quality time with expert stylists and specialists and got a whole host of treatments and treats.
A huge thank you to Liberty
“A huge thanks to our Ambassador Liberty who brought her inspiration and glamour, and for helping to raise awareness of Acorns and our lifeline work for local families and children in such an uplifting way.”
Every family deserves the chance to create unforgettable memories with their child, no matter how short their time together.
Acorns provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support that allows their families to make the most of each precious moment.
Find out more about our Celebrity Ambassadors and the work they do for Acorns.
Acorns is grateful to TV Star Livi Sheldon for giving time to support the fete at her local Acorns hospice. Livi connected with our children and their families, who were delighted to meet Worcester’s own sporting star and fitness icon!
Magical memories at the garden fete
The hospice’s gardens were transformed by this vibrant community celebration, featuring live music, entertainment, delicious treats and family-friendly fun. There were stalls, games, a prize teddy bear hunt, face-painting and even glitter tattoos.
Mel Hall, Area Fundraiser at Acorns, said: “It was a fantastic day filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit. There was an array of exciting activities and games as well as a spectacular visit from Worcester’s own Livi Sheldon.
Throughout the day, Livi’s genuine warmth and compassion was captivating. She spent time connecting with families, chatting with parents and striking fun poses for photographs with siblings. These moments helped families create special memories together; memories that will be treasured long after the day itself.
A heartfelt thank you to Livi
We are so grateful to Livi for her kindness, generosity and support for Acorns. Her presence brought smiles, laughter and a real sense of joy to the hospice, helping make the fete a truly memorable day for everyone involved.
On behalf of our families and care teams, Acorns would like to offer heartfelt thanks to Livi.
Find out more about all our Celebrity Ambassadors and the difference they make to Acorns.
Two of the region’s biggest names in acting, Adrian Lester and Dame Julie Walters are leading a growing list of names in support of an urgent campaign from Acorns Children’s Hospice.
The campaign, Children’s Care Matters, is calling on the Government to safeguard the Children’s Hospice Grant – a vital £2 million funding stream for Acorns, which the charity needs to continue providing its care to hundreds of local children.
Public support for the campaign has been increasing, with a petition to save the Grant reaching more than 8,000 signatures in just four weeks. Acorns will be delivering a batch of signatures to 10 Downing Street next week (4th September) with a letter to the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting.
Birmingham born Adrian Lester and Dame Julie have joined a number of leading names, including multiple award-winning restaurateur Aktar Islam and TikTok star, Poppy O’Toole aka Poppy Cooks, calling on the public to keep signing the petition.
Aktar and Poppy gave their active support to the campaign at a petition gathering event today (29th August) in Paradise Square, Birmingham alongside giant orange HELP letters.
Dame Julie, said: “For families going through the most difficult times, the care and emotional support provided by nurses and staff at Acorns is crucial. It makes all the difference in the world, allowing families to focus on cherishing moments of joy and love knowing they are in safe hands.
“All children’s hospices are under threat from the loss of the Children’s Hospice Grant, so I hope everyone signs the petition to help protect these wonderful places.”
Award-winning actor and director, Adrian Lester CBE is a staunch advocate for his home city of Birmingham. Known by TV audiences for his role as Mickey Bricks in the long-running BBC drama Hustle and range of roles in both Hollywood and on stage.
He said: ”How are we supposed to look after our hopes for the future if we don’t take care of our vulnerable children. The essential work Acorns Children’s Hospice does, must continue. It is a tragedy that organisations like these are starved of funding.”
Aktar Islam whose flagship restaurant Opheem received its second Michelin star in February, said: “I’m well aware of the amazing work Acorns does across the region in the lives of local families.
“The skill, expertise and compassion shown at their three hospices is irreplaceable and the fact they could be faced with turning children away due to lack of funding just doesn’t bear thinking about.
“I’d urge everyone to support this campaign, sign the petition and help safeguard this vital local charity, before it’s too late.”
Michelin-trained chef and TikTok star, Poppy O’Toole, author of four cookery books, the latest of which is due to be published this year, said: “Come on everybody, join me in signing this petition to save the grant and protect the amazing Acorns Children’s Hospice.
“It’s a wonderful organisation that helps children and their families and brings a lot of happiness and joy even when things are tough. They need you and me and everyone to sign their petition so that they can carry on doing their incredible work”.
The future of the Children’s Hospice Grant, a central NHS England funding stream is uncertain, meaning Acorns and many children’s hospices nationally, may be forced to cut vital services for life limited children and their families.
To raise awareness of the campaign, staff and volunteers from Acorns have been taking giant orange “HELP!” letters on tour around well-known West Midlands landmarks and asking the public to add their name to the petition.
Trevor Johnson, Acorns Chief Executive, said: “We are overwhelmed by the support we’ve received so far for this important campaign and I’m delighted that Adrian, Dame Julie, Aktar, Poppy and so many others have understood the urgency of the situation and given their backing.
“This support will help raise awareness of the hundreds of local children with serious and life limiting conditions who rely on Acorns, and who without this Grant risk losing the care they desperately need.
“I appeal to everyone: keep signing and sharing our petition. Every voice counts, and together we can ensure that Acorns and every organisation like ours can continue to offer vital care to those who need it most.”
Dame Julie has supported Acorns in the past and in 2019, when the charity’s Walsall hospice was under threat of closure, helped rally the community. The appeal won huge support and the Walsall hospice continues to support hundreds of families in the Black Country today.
The Children’s Hospice Grant is a national £25 million NHS grant, distributed to children’s hospices across England. It makes up around 13% of Acorns income, a total of £2 million.
For Acorns to continue, the vast majority of the remaining income the charity needs comes from fundraising and profits from charity shops.
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.
To find out more about Children’s Care Matters and get involved, visit: www.acorns.org.uk/campaign