‘Make your extra day count and help us ensure lifeline care for local families never stops!’ – That’s the passionate plea from Acorns Children’s Hospice this Leap Year.

The charity is calling on the public to help it fund an additional day of care for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions this February 29.

It costs around £30,000 a day to run Acorns three hospices and provide its vital care and support. To help cover the cost of providing its services this Leap Day, the charity has launched a special appeal.

There are many ways you can support Acorns in the countdown to Leap Day, from running for Acorns at Birmingham Running Festival and making a direct donation, to creating your own fundraiser or supporting Acorns at work.

Acorns Chief Executive Trevor Johnson said: “Our children’s hospice care never takes a day off. The reassurance that we are here for children and families whenever they need us provides genuine comfort. Leap Years are no different.

“For Acorns, this means we must raise an additional day’s funding to deliver our specialist care and support. We only can be there for families with the help of our local communities. So, please, make your extra day count this Leap Year, you’ll be helping us make sure our lifeline care never stops.”

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

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