Welcome to Acorns

Baby in the arms of a member of Acorns Care staff in a hospice

Donate for Cara

There are lots of ways to donate to Acorns. Whether it’s a one-off gift or a regular donation, your support can make a real difference, no matter how large or small.

Get involved for Alex

Anyone can do something special to raise funds for Acorns. Fundraising at home, work or school, or joining one of our events, helps us continue to provide care for local children.

A little boy wearing glasses stands at the top of a small climbing frame, grinning widely

Volunteer for Kazik

Join our team of volunteers and give invaluable support to local children and families. You can volunteer at our hospices, work at one of our shops, or fundraise at an event.

A little girl in an Acorns sensory room, looking at a tube of bubbles lit up with colourful lights

Sign up for Laila

How we’re funded

It costs around £14 million a year to run our care services in the hospices and community, providing care for children and support for families. Of this £14 million, around 21% comes from Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and other statutory bodies and around 77% comes from the generosity of people like you in the local community, fundraising, donating and supporting our network of charity shops and superstores.

You can learn more about how we’re funded and what we spend your kind donations on in our Annual Financial Accounts and Impact Report on our publications page.

An infographic pie chart showing for every pound Acorns make, 83p is put toward providing specialist care. 17p is put toward running costs and fundraising. — *As of Acorns Annual Accounts 2024-25

Why we’re here

We believe no family caring for a life limited or life threatened child should do it alone. Our families are our inspiration and the reason we exist, their stories show how their local children’s hospice is both their lifeline and their home from home.

A man and woman hold a tiny baby, looking down at her

Thea’s story

When Karen and Johnathan found out they were expecting their second child, they dreamed of all the precious memories they’d make together. But after just four days at home, the family’s world came crashing down.

A teenage girl with a tube going into her nose cuddles a black and white cat

Hannah’s story

‘Hannah knew she was terminally ill and that she was going to die. That is horrible for anyone of any age, especially a teenager.’ Mum Christine Debney tells the heart-breaking story of their beautiful daughter

A woman holds a little girl in her arms, who is smiling

Laila’s story

“When you get help from Outreach, you don’t need to worry and it’s amazing. I have the confidence to do other things, when before I couldn’t even leave her side.”

Vinnie’s story

If you ask eight-year-old Vinnie about his condition, he’ll tell you he was born with half a heart and that one day he’ll need a new one.

A little boy leans on the edge of a bed, looking over his shoulder

Alex’s story

Read Alex’s story to find out how Acorns is there for the whole family at the times they need support the most.

Grayson’s story

Baby Grayson had deep blue eyes and a perfect smile. For mom Becky and dad George, he was their ‘little miracle’.

Luca Atzori and family gathered on a sofa smiling fondly at a baby picture

Luca Atzori’s story

With the help of Acorns Children’s Hospice Tony and Zoe Atzori created a lifetime of memories with their little boy Luca.

Ethan’s story

Ethan visits Acorns for short breaks, giving his parents time to recharge and him the chance to spend time with others

Little girl flipping through a picture book

Bluebell’s story

Bluebell is a little ray of sunshine. At Acorns, we are here to help Bluebell and her family enjoy time together.

Oliver at Acorns holding two thumbs up and smiling.

Oliver’s story

Six-year-old Oliver is a cheerful little chatterbox. He always got a smile on his face even when he’s not well. And he loves dinosaurs.

Two young boys sitting on a couch together enjoying playing with some toys

Harry and George’s story

Harry and George are two of the cheekiest, most sociable boys. They love being noisy. The brothers both have a rare genetic condition.

Cara’s story

Like any little girl, Cara’s favourite thing is cuddles from mum. If anyone holds her and she can hear her mum’s voice, Cara will make it very clear she’s not happy.

Acorns carer and child playing with a drum

Kavarli’s story

Karvarli is a social butterfly. He loves to be around people, spreading smiles and stealing hearts wherever he goes.

A young boy named Ezra enjoying hydrotherapy at Acorns Childrens hospice

Ezra’s story

Ezra’s mum, Emily, says he ‘makes her laugh every day’. But behind that beaming smile and magnetic personality is a little boy with a very serious condition.