Limited-edition dandelion sculpture capturing hearts across West Midlands

11th August 2023

Garden of wishes

A stunning limited-edition dandelion sculpture is the poignant symbol behind a new charity appeal from Acorns Children’s Hospice, that’s capturing the hearts of people across the West Midlands.

The bespoke handmade ornaments represent Acorns care and support for local families during the darkest of times and are being made available as part of the charity’s summer campaign, the Acorns Dandelion Appeal.

The Appeal invites loved ones, friends and supporters to remember someone special by dedicating one of these exclusive sculptures in their memory, and in doing so help the charity’s specialist care teams continue to be there when the unimaginable happens and a parent loses their child.

Dedications of support

Over 270 dandelions have been dedicated since the campaign launched last week. With limited numbers available, people are being urged to get theirs now and make a meaningful difference as they remember their loved ones.

Jo Flemming, Acorns Interim Director of Care, said: “Losing a child is one of the hardest things a parent will ever go through. Acorns Dandelion Appeal is dedicated to raising money to help us continue to be there for those families when the unimaginable happens.

“We’ve had such an incredible response to our appeal in its first few days, with our local community really taking its message into their hearts. Over 270 dandelions have been dedicated to honour the lives of much missed loved ones. Every donation made with them means we can be there for parents facing the loss of their child every step of the way, giving them the vital love, care and support they need.”

Garden of Wishes

Each dandelion dedicated will be included in a special Garden of Wishes in a touching spectacle that will see hundreds of these special-edition symbols fill the garden at Acorns for the Three Counties in Worcester.

Anyone dedicating a dandelion will be invited to attend the Garden of Wishes for an exclusive viewing before each one is carefully packaged and posted to supporters for them to display in their own garden.

Supporters simply wishing to own a dandelion sculpture, can also make a donation without making a dedication.

Jo added: “These beautiful sculptures have been exclusively designed for Acorns and our Dandelion Appeal, meaning we have a very limited number available.

“So, if our campaign touches you, either because you want to remember someone or because you want to send your love and special wishes to those local families who need us, don’t delay. Make your dedication today!”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for life limited and life threatened children and support for their families from its three hospices, based in Walsall, Birmingham and Worcester, and in the community.

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 700 children and supported almost 1,000 families, including those who have lost a child.

Support Acorns Dandelion Appeal today. By making a dedication for a suggested donation of £25, you can own a limited-edition garden sculpture and help families who turn to Acorns when they need it most.

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.