Patrons and Vice Presidents

Kay Alexander MBE

I was lucky enough to be invited to the very first meeting of Birmingham leaders at which we decided to build a Children’s Hospice for the city. The man who was driving this was John Overton who became its first Chief Executive. He was inspirational, visionary and enthusiastic. Acorns owes him everything. A very few years later Diana, Princess of Wales came to open that first hospice in Selly Oak.

I quickly became a proud Patron, often formally opening our burgeoning number of Shops. I loved that. I met so many families who were anxious to become involved, either through caring for a life limited child or knowing one. The shops are a large source of income as well as keeping the name of Acorns in the public eye.

In time, two other hospices opened, one in Walsall and one in Worcestershire, spreading the net wider, as we knew there was such a need for them.

In 2018, we celebrated our 30th anniversary and HRH Prince William was coming to join the party. He was a Star and gave so many children and their families a day they will always remember.

I am still so proud to be a part of Acorns, and marvel at what it has achieved for so many families going through really tough times, over all these years. We couldn’t do without it and I hope it will continue to be a shining light of hope and comfort well into the future.

Adil Ray OBE

Adil Ray OBE is best known as the star, creator and writer of hit BBC1 sitcom Citizen Khan. After five series, the show became one of Britain’s much-loved sitcoms, now broadcast worldwide.

To date, Adil has received five Royal Television Society Awards, including Best Comedy Programme and Best Comedy Performance.

In 2023, Adil was in the film Arthur’s Whiskey, starring Diane Keaton and Lulu, C5’s thriller Inheritance, and mockumentary The Kemps for BBC. He’s also starred in C4’s RTS nominated drama, Ackley Bridge, the period drama for ITV – Beecham House and feature film, Blithe Spirit alongside Dame Judi Dench.  In 2021, Adil played lawyer, Imran Khan in the ITV drama Stephen.

Adil can currently be seen presenting the UK’s leading commercial breakfast show Good Morning Britain and the record ratings winner quiz Lingo for ITV.

Adil has presented BBC1 entertainment show Have I Got News For You and appeared on Who Do You Think You Are.

In 2021, alongside Debbie Manners (BBC, Hat Trick), Adil launched Birmingham production company: Cornered Tiger. Their debut commission: Is Cricket Racist? has been nominated for Best Documentary at three awards to date: Broadcast Sport (2023), Sports Journalism (2024) and RTS Midlands (2024).

In October 2021, Adil received Asian Media Personality of The Year at The Asian Media Awards, recognising his leadership in the Take the Vaccine campaign.

In 2016, Adil was honoured in the Queen’s Birthday List.

“As a Brummie, a Muslim and someone who is always trying to be a better as a human, being a patron and friend to Acorns feels like my moral duty.”

Steven Knight CBE

“In my work my inspiration comes from the real lives of working people, their struggles, pain and fear but also the moments of humanity, laughter, joy and love which uplift them.

“As a proud patron, my passionate support for Acorns Children’s Hospice is based on the knowledge that it helps thousands of families in the West Midlands to face THE most unbearable challenge of all, that of a child with a life threatening or life limiting illness.

“The incredible dedicated nurses, staff and volunteers don’t just support families… they lift the burden from parents whose life involves 24/7 care of their child, literally giving them a chance to shop, shower and dress. They help bring laughter to siblings and families through events and activities. They provide quality of life to children through the most incredible and inspiring therapies comprising of sensory rooms and hydrotherapy pools. They help create better lives and allow for joy, happiness and laughter to be present through the most difficult times.”

Ninder Johal DL

“Not everyone is born with the same opportunities and indeed for some their lives take a turn that they did not anticipate.
Acorns is here to help those who have not been given the benefits of health that we take for granted.

“At Nachural we have been supporting this fantastic charity for many years because of the fabulous work they do in the community. They are there to not only support the NHS (who are not able to help these helpless children) but also the extended families. And Acorns do all of this in challenging times when it comes to funding.

“I and everyone at Nachural are in awe of what Acorns have done, continue to do today and long into the foreseeable future.”

Alan Jackson

“Family illness can be incredibly challenging and must be unthinkably hard when children are unwell. I am inspired by the commitment of Acorns to supporting families and providing specialist care when children are diagnosed with complex and life limiting conditions. I hope through supporting Acorns, this will enable them to continue to offer a home from home to families through their hospices where families can be together and supported by a dedicated team through their most difficult times.”

Aktar Islam

Aktar Islam is a multiple award-winning Michelin-starred chef, owner of Opheem and founder of Aktar at Home.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Acorns family as a patron of Acorns Children’s Hospice. It’s a truly fantastic cause, and I feel honoured to support the vital work they do for children and families facing the most challenging circumstances.”

Duncan Mathieson

I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Acorns through my love for Aston Villa. I was invited to visit the Birmingham Hospice and was blown away by the staff, the facilities, but in particular the children, and I immediately realised I needed to do all I can to support the charity. Being a Chartered Surveyor, I initially assisted with many property matters, and was overjoyed when I was asked to become a Vice President. I feel honoured and proud to hold such a position, and I will continue to do all I can to continue to support Acorns whenever called upon to do so.