“It’s all about fun and feels just like visiting family“
Sophia is a little miracle. At two days old, she suffered a cardiac arrest in her father’s arms. For dad Samuel and mum Chantelle it was truly terrifying, and the first six months of their baby girl’s life was then spent in hospital.
“We had a really scary start with Sophia. We didn’t really know what was happening. We were panicked. The cardiac arrest starved her of oxygen and caused eight brain bleeds, so she was classed as severely brain damaged.”
Doctors discovered that Sophia had 11 heart defects, epilepsy and a condition called heterotaxy. This means that although she has all her organs, they are not in the right place and this causes lots of complications..
Sophia and her family were referred to Acorns and the the family has benefited from a whole range of services including stay and play groups, hydrotherapy and day care and both Chantelle and Samuel receive support through Acorns parents’ groups.
“Coming to Acorns is great for me too because I meet other parents. We all have very different stories, but they are all quite relatable. Until you’ve been through a journey like this, I don’t think you truly understand what it’s like.”
“It’s hard being ‘that’ mum, the one who is always worried about their child and has to keep an eye on them. At Acorns everyone understands and will talk to you about what’s going on with you. I feel like the normal mum for once when I’m here.”
Chantelle, Sophia’s mum
Like many other families, Acorns has also been supporting Sophia’s family during the Covid-19 pandemic. As the family have been strictly shielding for
their safety, Acorns has provided vital care packages and expert support over the phone through their Acorns Family Team Worker.
“There’s the real threat that we could potentially lose our daughter to Covid-19 which is just unbearable to think about and so fearful.
“At the start of lockdown, as we were self-isolating and shielding Sophia we couldn’t just pop to the shops, pop to the park or go and get a loaf of bread, or milk for breakfast. The delivery of food and toiletries is such a help, and having someone on the end of the phone if needed. It means a lot.
“Coming to Acorns was the best thing we ever did. I’m so happy when we’re here. This is definitely our happy place.”
Hear more from families like Sophia’s in our Impact report
Superhero Aum’s Lasting Legacy
Why supporting Acorns Room to Grow Appeal is helping to keep Isla-Rae’s memory alive
Jabran’s journey to Acorns
Bringing People Together with Food
Looking for a challenge you’ll never forget?
Bradley Addison – a tribute
Ramadan: a month of fasting and spiritual reflection
A Tribute to Sally Parsons, an Acorns legend
Acorns Children’s Hospice Supports Young Carers Action Day
Moving reason behind mum’s walk across broken glass
Isabella’s Place – building a new craft room at Acorns
‘Acorns Hospice in the Black Country is the Happiest, Friendliest Place with Loveliest People’
Revealing the truth behind 5 myths about children’s hospices
Donate children’s clothes to your local Acorns shop!
Meet Alexus and Natalie, the Twin Sisters Who Are the Face of Acorns Christmas Appeal
How it feels to give The Greatest Gift – from an Acorns Family Team Worker
5 Free Things you can do this Christmas to support Acorns Children’s Hospice
New Sepsis screening tool developed in partnership with the UK Sepsis Trust
Jack Grealish’s message to children and families at Acorns
Your legacy, your difference
Discover your local Acorns shop
Get your business involved!
“We must all strive each every day to keep John’s dreams for Acorns alive.” – A Tribute to John Overton
Acorns Inspirations Number 2
Acorns Inspirations Number 1
Supporting Siblings to know they’re not alone
Haniya’s story – support for the whole family
Ezra’s story – short breaks at Acorns Children’s Hospice
Cycle Star Duncan Mathieson
Cycling Sensation Ali Jones
Channel Champion Alex Grove
Rachel’s story – Children’s Hospice Week 2021
The importance of hydrotherapy
Batten Disease Awareness Day – Matthew’s story
Volunteering Voices – Gemma, hospice volunteer
Why I volunteer at an Acorns shop – Elisha’s story
Why Will writing is so important
Helen’s walk for children’s hospices
Charlie’s story – children’s hospice support during a pandemic
Why your stories could help our son Oscar and other children at Acorns
What working in a children’s hospice is really like
Covid-19 Information for Families
Acorns Shining Stars Appeal – Aimee’s first Christmas dinner
‘If I knew then what I know now’
Acorns response to localised alert levels
Local Lockdown Covid-19 Information for Families
Complementary therapies for children and families
Luca’s story – shielding a vulnerable child from Covid-19
Countdown to Ex-Worcester Warrior Star’s Ambitious Channel Swim for Acorns
Children’s Hospice care during a pandemic
How hydrotherapy can give young wheelchair users their independence back
Toddler Walks His Way to Victory Raising Over £340 for Local Children and Families
Giving families the gift of time with their little one
Imaginations Run Wild as Acorns Supporters Take On The 2.6 Challenge
Charlotte’s Facebook fundraiser
“When it was first mentioned about coming to Acorns, my initial response was ‘definitely not’”
“Without Peter, there would be no Acorns.” – A Tribute to Peter Wildblood
Acorns Siblings Take to the Stage at Birmingham Hippodrome’s Summer School
Dec 1988: Sandra’s memories
