Making memories that last forever for the families of children with short lives

Acorns Staff Nurse Joanna Hutton speaks out about the importance of memory-making for families and children whose lives are short – as the charity launches its Celebrate Your Star campaign.
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Acorns response following MP vote in favour of assisted dying bill

Today MPs voted in favour of a bill to allow assisted dying. At Acorns, our position is that in any law must be the guarantee that quality palliative care is properly funded and available to all who need it – whoever they are and wherever they live.
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A Acorns nurse sat smiling holding a mug in her hands.

Nurse Katie’s memories of Thea

Nurse Katie shares her memories of meeting Thea and her family and how the hospice team gave them the gifts of vital care and support.
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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.

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Our response to comments from the Health Secretary on hospice funding

We welcome today’s comments from Wes Streeting in interviews for the BBC, stating that financial support for the hospice sector would be announced before Christmas
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People dressed as Santa in a line

Last chance to join thrilling adventure before it’s gone forever

Santa’s Sky High Adventure is inviting festive families to jingle all the way around 36 high-rope obstacles at the Bear Grylls Adventure in Birmingham
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A little girl sits wearing big gardening gloves, while a slightly older girl sits next to her with a watering can a potted plant. Both are smiling

Acorns launches environmental sustainability plan

Acorns has become one of the first children’s hospices in the country to launch an environmental sustainability plan.
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Tim Walton TrikeSanta

Motorbike enthusiast Tim Walton saw other motorcyclists raising money for charity and knew he wanted to get involved – dressed as Santa!

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Children’s Care Matters campaign takes step forward as mum Liz meets MPs

The fight to save a vital piece of funding for children’s hospices has taken a step forward as mum Liz Bishop travelled to Westminster to meet MPs.

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Five children jumping up and down.

Safe spaces to share feelings

At Acorns, we always aim to give the best care possible. This care isn’t just physical – it’s also about supporting the emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of everyone we support.

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Acorns Mere Green Shop Manager Nicky Hales and Volunteer Sheryl Bolden

Acorns shop crowned winner in search for the UK’s favourite charity stores

Dedicated staff and volunteers at the Acorns Children’s Hospice shop in Mere Green are ‘absolutely elated’ after it was named as favourite charity shop across the whole of the West Midlands.

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Acorns campaign backed by Walsall Council motion

Walsall Council members have unanimously backed our Children’s Care Matters campaign to save the Children’s Hospice Grant.

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MPs write joint letter urging the Government to save the Children’s Hospice Grant

A group of West Midlands MPs have written a joint letter to the Government on behalf of Acorns, calling on vital funding for children’s hospices to be secured.

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Mum Liz delivers petition to 10 Downing Street for Save the Grant campaign

A mum from Worcester has delivered a petition to 10 Downing Street today on behalf of the children’s hospice who cared for her daughter.

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Kasim signing the word chicken in Makaton.

Making Makaton a second language at Acorns

At Acorns, we embed Makaton across all three of our hospices to ensure every child is seen and heard – no child should be left behind.

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Baby Patrick in the care of Acorns with an Acorns nurse behind him

Our Statement on St Giles and Hospice Funding

The future of the funding – known as the Children’s Hospice Grant – is uncertain, meaning Acorns may be forced to cut vital services.

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Acting Stars and Celebrity Chefs Back Hospice Campaign

The future of the funding – known as the Children’s Hospice Grant – is uncertain, meaning Acorns may be forced to cut vital services.

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Acorns launches campaign to save £2 million funding

The future of the funding – known as the Children’s Hospice Grant – is uncertain, meaning Acorns may be forced to cut vital services.

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Statement on the 2024 General Election Result

We are calling on the new government to protect and maintain the Children’s Hospice Grant

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A man wearing a cycling jersey with the slogan ride for milla. He is standing behind a bicycle and holding an orange Acorns banner

Acorns superstar supporter Tony Frobisher

Tony is a father, fundraiser and Ambassador for Acorns. He has raised vital funds and awareness after his family received lifeline support.

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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

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Acorns Chairman awarded MBE in King’s Birthday Honours

The Chairman of Acorns Children’s Hospice, Mark Hopton has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, in recognition of his services to education, healthcare and charities in the West Midlands.

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The flash mob at Acorns Tewkesbury.

Spine-tingling moment 60 flash mob singers came to superstore

This was the magical spine-tingling moment when around 60 singers took shoppers by surprise as they suddenly burst into song in a giant flash mob at the official opening of Acorns new charity superstore in Tewkesbury.

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Acorns Children's Hospice at Birmingham Pride 2024

Acorns proud to be stronger together at Birmingham Pride 2024

For the first time ever Acorns Children’s Hospice joined one of the biggest and most important LGBTQ+ festivals in the UK – and it was a spectacular success.

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Verity Sheldon

Touching tribute in memory of brave Verity

An emotional one-minute applause was held at Walsall FC’s final game of the season to remember a girl who died after a brave two-year battle against cancer.

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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.”

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Hospice charities meet MPs to highlight ‘unsustainable’ funding model

Four major palliative care charities gave oral evidence today at a Health and Social Care Committee meeting on hospice funding, describing the current funding model as ‘unsustainable’.

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Hospices reliant on people’s generosity due to lack of funding, MPs warn

Hospices are overly reliant on income from charity fundraising due to a lack of Government funding, MPs have warned.

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Some of the teddy bears which were auctioned for Acorns Children's Hospice.

Grrr-eat donation of rare teddy bears claws up cash at auction

An un-bear-lievable donation of nearly 40 rare teddy bears has raised more than £1,600 for Acorns at auction.

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At the opening of the John Overton Suite

Touching tribute as plaque unveiled at new family rooms

Acorns has officially opened vital new family rooms so parents can stay by their children’s side 24-hours a day.

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Trevor Johnson sitting next to a screen that has writing dedicated to him from Acorns

Acorns CEO Trevor Johnson warns of funding challenges for the hospice sector

Acorns CEO, Trevor Johnson has warned of funding challenges in a series of interviews with the media. The interviews followed a report which revealed the sector is facing a collective £77 million deficit.

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An Acorns shop volunteer cuts the ribbon declaring Acorns Erdington superstore open. He is using large scissors and stands in front of a balloon arch

Acorns makes its Erdington debut with huge new superstore

Acorns makes its Erdington debut after opening the charity’s biggest-ever superstore.

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Vinnie’s story

If you ask seven-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.

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Aston Villa supports Acorns Children's Hospice

Aston Villa supports Acorns in Europe

Acorns logo made a welcome return to Villa shirts for the Club’s Europa Conference League clash against Ajax.

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Two healthcare professionals at Acorns wearing scrubs interact with a large touchscreen monitor.

How Acorns is breaking new ground in education, learning and development

Kerrie Sprason, Head of Talent Acquisition and Development shares how Acorns ground-breaking Academy came about.

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Magical new hydrotherapy pool making waves

A state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool featuring multi-sensory light and sound for children has opened.

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Matt and George’s ‘oarsome’ Atlantic row for Jack

Read about how the Worcester Buoys rowed the Atlantic in 40 days in support of Acorns

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Five adults are stood at the main entrance to a hospice.

Acorns secures £145,000 training fund boost

Acorns has received a £145,000 boost towards employee training, thanks to a leading global glass manufacturer.

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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.

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A smiling woman sits with a little boy on her lap, playing with a toy. He is grinning at the camera

Leap into action for Acorns this February 29th

Make your extra day count this Leap Year and help ensure Acorns care never stops

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Superstore is a success as Acorns opens biggest store

The shelves were stacked, the signs were up and the lights were on as Acorns opened its biggest ever store.

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Sporting the Acorns logo on their new football shirts - AFC Wulfrunians

Scoring a hit with Acorns logo on stylish football kits

The logo of Acorns Children’s Hospice is taking pride of place on a host of smart new football shirts worn by AFC Wulfrunians.

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Four men in smart clothing holding picture frames featuring colourful images created by children cared for at Acorns.

Remembering Acorns Trustee, Jim McCarthy

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

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A tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah

Benjamin Zephaniah will be remembered by Acorns for the amount of pure joy he brought to children and families.

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Major pool project to make a vital splash

A major project to completely transform a vital hydrotherapy pool into a magical multi-sensory facility has begun.

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Ambassador Moin shares his story at the House of Lords

Pride of Britain winner and Acorns Ambassador Moin was guest of honour at the House of Lords for a special event.

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Grayson’s story

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

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Mum and daughter Aime and Charlee sit in front of cinema screen

Movie magic as sparkling new cinema room unveiled

The magic of the movies has come to Acorns in the Black Country with the opening of a sparkling new cinema room.

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Child with glasses playing with Magic Carpet Technology

Cutting-edge technology opens-up new worlds for children at Acorns

Acorns Children’s Hospice is using the very latest in cutting-edge technology to help open-up new worlds of experience for local children.

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Trevor Johnson, Acorns CEO, giving a speech on stage.

Proud night for Acorns at the Innovation Awards

It was a proud night for Acorns at the Innovation Awards on Friday (27th October) with special recognition for the charity’s groundbreaking Family Portal…

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Catherine Smith, Jamie Wyton and Nickie Ford smile for a photo

Acorns secures £45,000 boost to employee training

Acorns has secured a £45,000 boost towards employee training thanks to a region-wide apprenticeship fund.

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Mary on her retirement in 2021, with former CEO Toby Porter

Remembering Mary Cushnie: 1929-2023

Our incredible shop volunteer Mary Cushnie gave her all for Acorns for over 30 years. In fact, Mary started fundraising for Acorns in the mid-80s, when even our first hospice had yet to open.

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Woman in orange dress and man in suit, stand up to present. People at tables are clapping

‘Speechless’ – £15,000 raised as dinner with Masterchef winner gets standing ovation

Organisers were left ‘speechless’ as an amazing £15,000 was raised during an evening of culinary exploration when the Birmingham community came together to support Acorns

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Masterchef winner Dan Lee with Sue Brown and Steph Edwards

Masterchef marvel cooks up a storm to officially open kitchen

Masterchef winner Dan Lee cooked up a winning dish to help Acorns Children’s Hospice launch its brand new, state-of-the-art kitchen.

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The Acorns mascots on the pitch with 5 children to pose for picture

Little mascots kick off super season of football fundraising with Walsall FC

This was the moment five proud children walked onto the pitch with their football heroes to kick off another super season of fundraising…

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Woman picking out a dress in an Acorns Charity shop

Make second-hand clothes your first choice in re-loved revolution

Shoppers are being challenged to look good, do good and feel good and join the re-loved revolution to help support local children…

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Rambo the dog poses with certificate from Acorns for raising £25,000 pounds

Pennies make pounds as one collection tin raises staggering £25,000

A family-run DIY store has shown that saving pennies can really add up after just one collection tin raised an incredible £25,000 for Acorns.

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Garden of wishes

Legacy of Love: Appeal blooms into Dandelion field of lasting support for local families

An awe-inspiring field of metal dandelions stood as the poignant culmination of a moving campaign from Acorns Children’s Hospice…

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Acorns Nurse Teresa Davies at the Black Country hospice looking up at new ceiling screen

How state-of-the-art ‘ceiling technology’ makes a difference at Acorns

State-of-the-art ‘ceiling technology’ at a Walsall children’s hospice is making a difference thanks to a generous local company.

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Trevor Johnson sitting next to a screen that has writing dedicated to him from Acorns

Looking to the future with the CEO of Acorns

Our CEO, Trevor Johnson, spoke to the Express & Star recently about Acorns, the challenges the charity has faced and our plans for the future.

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Garden of wishes

Limited-edition dandelion sculpture capturing hearts across West Midlands

A stunning limited-edition dandelion sculpture is the poignant symbol behind a new charity appeal from Acorns Children’s Hospice…

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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.

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Ethan’s story

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

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Acorns staff and families with Walsall FC team Captain Donervon Daniels, Head Coach Mat Sadler and Goalkeeper Owen Evans

Saddlers stars visit Acorns and celebrate scoring fundraising success

Young football fans scored a victory on Thursday (27 July) as stars from Walsall FC paid a special visit to Acorns Children’s Hospice…

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Haniya and Shabana together smiling

Acorns to benefit as Morrisons Partnership hits major milestone

Hundreds of families cared for by Acorns are set to benefit thanks to a major supermarket partnership.

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Family posing for photo covered in a sea of multi-coloured suds

Hundreds flock to Black Country beauty spot for incredi-bubble foamy fundraiser

It was bubbles galore at Walsall Arboretum as hundreds of foamy fundraisers flocked to enjoy the fun…

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acorns sahara trek

Meet the Acorns super seven taking on our Sahara Trek

This autumn, a team of intrepid Acorns supporters will be taking on the world’s largest hot desert to help raise funds towards our vital care…

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Supporters at start line of bubble rush race

Final call to take part in Acorns biggest-ever Bubble Rush – don’t miss out!

It’s the final countdown as the world’s foamiest fundraiser prepares to blast off in the Black Country to raise vital funds for local children…

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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.

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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.

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Marwah’s story

Marwah is a happy, bubbly little girl, who has a great sense of humour. She enjoys spending time with her family and especially likes parties and sparkly dresses.

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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.

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Baby Cara in the arms of a carer at Acorns hospice

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.

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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.

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June Sayce with her beloved donkey on her donkey farm.

June’s Legacy

What do donkeys and Wills have in common? Read about June and Willie’s Sayce made the heartfelt connection.

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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.

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A nurse at Acorns, named Jabhran, sitting outside in the hospice gardens.

What working in a children’s hospice is really like

The magic of the movies has come to Acorns in the Black Country with the opening of a sparkling new cinema room.

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