Hundreds of foamy fundraisers descended on Walsall today (Saturday 26 June) to raise vital funds for a Black Country lifeline.
Acorns Bubble Rush saw more than 450 friends and families flock to Walsall Arboretum to walk, jog and even swim their way through a sea of multi-coloured suds for Acorns Children’s Hospice in the Black Country.
The family-friendly 5km was the first in a number of special events being launched by Acorns to refurbish the Walsall-based facility after its future was secured following a £2million fundraising appeal.
Kate McMahon, Acorns Events Officer, said: “What an amazing way to kick start our fundraising for refurbishments at our Black Country hospice – the atmosphere has been incredible! Nothing beats seeing hundreds of smiling people being showered with masses of bubbles all raising money to support local children and families.
“Thank you to everyone who signed up to take on the bubble canons and to all the volunteers who worked so hard. Your help and generosity will make such a difference to the families who rely on our care and support.”
The Covid-safe event, which was organised in line with government guidelines, with staggered starts, social distancing and sanitisation points, saw ‘bubblers’ make their way around the course in three separate waves, taking on four brightly-coloured bubble cannons and four-feet of incredi-bubble foam.
Kate added: “Acorns will always need the ongoing generosity and support of the local community to continue to be there for every child and family that needs us. So, we’re hugely grateful to everyone who fundraised for this event!”
Acorns announced in April that the £2million Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal had closed and the future of the hospice has been secured.
A huge groundswell of support from local people, fundraising groups and businesses saw donations pour-in towards the charity and its hospice which provides care to around 200 life limited and life threatened children and their families every year.
Despite the uncertainty of Covid-19 and the massive challenges created by the pandemic, donations continued to come in. Together with other funding received by Acorns during the pandemic, the future of the Walstead Road facility and its specialist care was safe.
The charity is now focusing is on making improvements to the hospice’s bedrooms, including updating them and improving their access to the gardens. This will help to further enhance the experience of children and families staying at Acorns.
ENDS
For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team:
David Chamberlain: 01564 825020 / 07817 612422 / david.chamberlain@acorns.org.uk
Nicki Robinson: 01564 825062 / 07814 302153 / nicki.robinson@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.
- It costs £27,000 every day to run Acorns services providing care for children and support for their families. The charity relies heavily on donations to fund the majority of its activities.
