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Acorns hospice boss: We're inspired and humbled by help

Acorns chief executive Toby Porter thanks everyone who has helped the appeal so far.

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Toby Porter is the chief executive of Acorns hospice

It is with enormous pride and gratitude that we have been able to announce today that so far you have donated an incredible £350,000 to the Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal.

I would like to thank you, the Black Country community, on behalf of everyone at the charity. In particular, I want to thank you on behalf of the children and families who continue to receive our care and support each and every day at our hospice in Walsall.

There have been some incredible stories already – James Wright, a golf coach in Penn with a special family connection to Acorns, and who decided he would run an unbelievable 31 marathons in 31 days. You may have seen him on TV, or read about him, but he completed his incredible feat, and raised a staggering £10,000 for our appeal.

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We were also left humbled and speechless by one of our former colleagues, Erica, donating her entire inheritance of £100,000 to get our £2m appeal off to a quick and strong start.

But the reason more than any other that the appeal has reached this £350,000 milestone already is because so many of you are supporting it across the Black Country.

There have been fetes, quizzes, gigs and parties. There have been sponsored bakes, sponsored walks, bungee jumps and head shaves. Not a day goes by when our team are not notified of a new Facebook fundraising page, or JustGiving challenge.

How you can donate:

  • Text ACORNS5 to 70025 to donate £5*

  • Text ACORNS10 to 70025 to donate £10*

  • 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.

Our staff and volunteers at the Black Country hospice in Walsall have at regular intervals been left in tears by the outpouring of kindness and generosity, and support for the care they provide.

They have had school children turn up at the hospice, donating their pocket money, or older members of the community taking complicated bus rides to bring donations of their own.

The next three months, with schools back and then the run up to Christmas, are always the most important time of year for charities. They will bring so many opportunities to support the appeal by having fun, getting together or completing a long-harboured challenge. Please get in touch if we can help you with any ideas.

You are a wonderful, generous community, and we are inspired and humbled and profoundly grateful for what you have given us already. Thank you for what you have done already. The need is still urgent, please do what you can.

Toby Porter, Acorns Chief Executive

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