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

It is with great sadness we share the news that longstanding Acorns Trustee, Jim McCarthy has passed away, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Jim, a Chartered Accountant by profession, held senior management positions in several market-leading commercial organisations, before in retirement applying his wealth of experience to the voluntary sector.

Introduced to Acorns by former Acorns Chairman, David Butcher, Jim was appointed as a Trustee and prospective Treasurer in 2011. He chaired the Resources Committee for six years before becoming Vice Chairman in 2019. He eventually stepped down from the Trustee Board in 2022.

It was in 2020 that Jim was given the news he had cancer, along with an initial prognosis that gave him just six months. However, through a combination of medical science and his characteristic tenacity, Jim continued to bless Acorns and those around him for several more years.

Jim’s impact on the Acorns Board has been invaluable, his extensive experience helping guide the charity through significant challenges, including a period of financial uncertainty in 2019, and the Covid pandemic. The charity that has emerged from these challenges is undoubtedly one stronger and more resilient thanks to the careful stewardship of people like Jim.

With over a decade of dedicated service to Acorns, Jim leaves a lasting legacy towards countless children and families across our region. He was a tireless advocate for our cause and, to everyone he worked with, a source of wisdom and sound judgement.

Acorns has received a steady flow of heartfelt tributes to Jim since the news of his passing, including from his fellow Trustees, all of whom are unanimous in their reflections of a brilliant friend and supportive colleague.

Four men in smart clothing holding picture frames featuring colourful images created by children cared for at Acorns.
Jim McCarthy (far left) with fellow Trustees Chris Sallnow and Tim Barrett at an event to mark their retirement from the Board.

“Jim had oversight of Acorns purse strings when I first met him and went on to become my choice as Vice Chair. Jim’s counsel was readily welcomed by all his trustee and executive colleagues, his insights were always worth hearing and his quiet and unassuming manner masked an inner strength and self-confidence second to none. I could not have wished for a better confidante. I was proud to count Jim as a friend and he will be sorely missed. I should like to extend my deepest condolences, and those of all his friends at Acorns, to Jim’s charming wife, Lynda, and to his family at this sad time.”

Mark Hopton, Acorns Chairman