One family’s ‘perfect way to give back’

3rd June 2025

This summer, Walsall Arboretum will once again come alive with colour, laughter and bubbles, as hundreds of people gather for Bubble Rush 2025 – the much-loved annual family fun run from Acorns Children’s Hospice. It’s a highlight in the local calendar, where family and friends can enjoy a vibrant day out while raising vital funds for seriously ill children.

But for one family in particular, this year’s Bubble Rush is so much more than a fun day out. For Georgia Pearson and her family, it’s set to be a day they’ll never forget as they will be running the course with a very special team mate – their 8-month-old son, Harrison. It’s a chance for the family to celebrate being together after an incredibly tough start to Harrison’s life.

Harrison’s story

In 2024, Georgia and her partner, Mat, were overjoyed to learn they was expecting twin boys. But their joy turned to heartbreak when complications arose, and devastatingly, their son Oscar died in the womb. The trauma triggered Georgia’s premature labour, and Harrison was born at just 26 weeks – more than three months early.

The family then faced 129 agonising days in neonatal intensive care, battling through what Georgia describes as the most difficult period of their lives.

“There were serious issues from the start, especially with Harrison’s lungs,” Georgia shared. “At one point, things were so bad that we had a Do Not Resuscitate order (DNR) in place. It’s something no parent ever imagines having to do.”

It was during this time that Harrison was diagnosed with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia – a life limiting chronic lung condition requiring 100 per cent oxygen support around the clock. At just three months old, the family were given the devastating news that it was likely Harrison wouldn’t survive.

Baby Harrison with oxygen tube.
Baby Harrison in NICU

Life with Acorns

This is when the family were introduced to Acorns for end-of-life care, stepping in at a time when the family needed them most.

At first, Georgia was hesitant. “I didn’t want to go. I associated hospices with death and couldn’t imagine my baby belonging there.”

But a visit to Acorns in the Black Country changed everything.

“It was completely different from what I expected – friendly, warm, full of life and light.”

Thankfully tiny Harrison’s condition stabilised. But Acorns remains an important part of the family’s life, just as they were whilst Harrison was in hospital, offering practical help and emotional lifelines during their darkest days.

“The staff were amazing,” Georgia said. “They cuddled Harrison, painted with him and helped us create beautiful memories with clay hand and footprints. They were always there.”

“We would not have got through that time without Acorns. They were a godsend really.”

Now, with Harrison finally home, Acorns nurses who Georgia describes as ‘absolute angels’, visits twice a month, providing crucial support, specialist care, playtime, and giving Georgia the breathing space she needs.

“It’s just nice having someone to talk to, someone who gets it and has seen it with several families – that’s quite rare. With Acorns, I don’t have to be a ‘medical mum’ – I can just be mum. They care about me just as much as they care about Harrison and that’s so rare.”

The perfect way to give back

So, when Georgia first heard about Bubble Rush, she knew it was the perfect way to give back.

“I wanted to raise money for Acorns. People were suggesting things like a skydive, but I wanted something that Harrison could also take part in. I knew Bubble Rush would be ideal.”

“I’ll be running with him in the carrier. He loves the sensory pool and mats at Acorns, so I know he’ll absolutely love the colourful foam bubbles!”

Already, Georgia is smashing her fundraising target, raising an incredible £1,760 to support other families like hers.

“Harrison’s future is still uncertain. But what Acorns has given us – the memories and the support – it’s hard to put into words what that’s meant to us. We want other families to receive that same love and care.”

“I know somewhere down the line another family will be in our position. The money we raise might pay for them to stay the night at Acorns, just like someone else’s fundraising helped us. That’s really special.”

Every penny raised at Bubble Rush, which is sponsored by leading West Midlands law firm Talbots Law, will go directly towards Acorns care for children 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.

Sign up to Bubble Rush today and help Acorns be there for more children and families like Harrison’s.

Tickets are priced £16.50 for adults, £12 for children (3-15) and £4 for those under 3. Family tickets (two adults, two children) are available, priced £50.

Ticket fees cover the cost of putting on the event, and participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of £15 in sponsorship per person – helping Acorns to continue providing its specialist care when it’s needed most.

Get your Bubble Rush tickets