Acorns fundraiser bathes in baked beans in 24-hour charity bid

Dave Thomas, from Dudley, sat in a bath full of cold baked beans for 24 hours over the weekend to raise funds for the hospice which is at risk of closure.

Last month Acorns announced that initial support they had received meant they could keep running until next April.

It comes after in June it was announced Acorns was to close one of its three children’s hospices because of rising running costs and a drop in donations.

How you can donate:

• Text ACORNS5 to 70025 to donate £5*

• Text ACORNS10 to 70025 to donate £10*

• Visit acorns.org.uk/appeal

• Phone: 01564 825 037

• *With texts you will be charged your donation, plus your standard network rate. Acorns receives at least 98 per cent of your donation as it will incur a two per cent admin charge for this service. By texting, you are agreeing for Acorns to phone or text you to tell you about our work and how you can help. If you wish to donate and not hear from Acorns again, text ACORNS5 NO to 70025. For more information call 01564 825 037. Acorns Children’s Hospice registered charity no: 700859.

But the race is now on to raise £2 million to ensure the hospice can remain open beyond that point.

NHS funding for children's hospices is set to double to £25 million by 2023/24 but Acorns must plug the gap until then if the centre on Walstead Road is to survive.

Mr Thomas, 52, sat in the bath in the garden of pub Spring Cottage, located on Holtshill Lane, from 8pm on Saturday until 8pm on Sunday.

More on this story:

• Acorns boss: Help us continue to be there for families in need

• Acorns: How poor funding has led to desperate situation

• Acorns: Make a difference and help save vital children's hospice

• Acorns children's hospice closure halted as funding appeal launched

• MPs vow to battle for Acorns Children's Hospice

• 'Why should children's hospice care be funded by selling second hand clothes?'

The delivery driver said: "When I heard about Acorns proposed closure I knew I had to do something.

"We also held a fun day at the pub on Sunday with face painting, burgers and a raffle.

"So far we know we've raised more than £1,000.

"The target was £1,000 so I'm happy.

"The beans were cold, I started to get cramp in my legs at one point, but it's been good.

"I wasn't able to sleep all night so I'm very tired, but it's been worth it.

"The people have been very generous.

"I'd like to thank Print and Embroidery Services for making our T-shirts and banners and the Chuckery Cafe for the face painting and burgers."

For more information, or to donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/dave-thomas47