Local man to run up funds for late friend’s beloved charity

5th August 2025

With less than one week to go until hundreds of runners take to the streets for the annual Run Solihull, one local man is preparing to take on the challenge in memory of a cherished friend and in support of a cause close to both of their hearts.

Rob Sharratt, originally from Coventry, will be lacing up his running shoes for the Run Solihull half-marathon this August in honour of his dear friend Nick, who sadly passed away from liver cancer earlier this year.

Rob is running in support of Acorns Children’s Hospice, the event’s official charity partner for 2025 and a local cause that meant a great deal to Nick.

“Nick was a great guy,” Rob said. “He had a knack for rallying people to donate to Acorns, sending out bulk emails to friends to raise support, organising charity events and always thinking of Acorns. He was the heart of it all.”

Nick was a passionate supporters of the charity, which provides vital care for seriously ill children across the West Midlands, regularly organising fundraising golf days and dinners through his local rugby club, Old Wheatleyans RFC, where the pair first became friends.

Over the years, both supported Acorns, recognising the charity’s life-changing work with children and families facing the darkest of times. Nick, in particular, was devoted to the charity, so much so he became an active member of one of its longest-running fundraising groups, the Acorns Coventry Fundraising Support Group, which has raised over £1.5 million in its 36-year history.

“I always donated when I could, but Nick was the one who truly gave himself to Acorns. When I heard about the Walsall hospice being at risk of closing a few years ago, it really hit home. Acorns means so much to so many families in the West Midlands.”

Rob’s decision to run the half-marathon came at an especially poignant time. “Just after Nick died, I got an email from Acorns about Run Solihull 2025. I’d never done the race before, but it just clicked – it felt like the right thing to do, for him.”

Though no stranger to fundraising or running events, having previously run for causes such as animal welfare and multiple sclerosis, this year’s race is a unique one for Rob. “This one is personal. I’m running because it mattered to Nick and because of Acorns incredible work supporting children with life limiting and life threatening conditions.”

Already, the community is showing its support. “I mentioned the run to some friends recently and they immediately pulled out some money from their pockets to donate. That’s the kind of spirit Nick inspired in people.”

There’s still time to join Rob and the rest of the #TeamAcorns runners at Run Solihull 2025, taking place on Sunday 10 August. The event, organised by RunThrough, includes a half marathon, 5k and children’s race, making it the perfect day for the whole family to get involved.

By joining #TeamAcorns, runners will receive a bespoke package of support from the charity, including a limited edition Acorns running vest, tailored training and fundraising ideas, a unique themed medal and free official race photos to remember the day.

Starting and finishing in Malvern Park, in Solihull Town Centre, the event is a unique opportunity to run the closed roads of Solihull. Adding to the fun, there will also be a fun-filled event village open on the day, where participants can expect live performances, bag storage, charity stalls, food and drink vendors and plenty of toilets to use before you head off onto the course.

Runners for #TeamAcorns are being asked to raise a minimum sponsorship amount which goes directly towards supporting Acorns vital work providing specialist palliative care for seriously ill children and support for their families.

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.

For your final chance to sign up to Run Solihull 2025, email the Events team via events@acorns.org.uk