From Princess Diana’s visit to decades of devotion: Acorns founder Anita Mason tells her story
Anita Mason, the inspirational founder of Acorns Children’s Hospice, is reflecting on a lifetime dedicated to supporting children and families through some of their most difficult moments.
Her story is one of compassion, determination and community spirit, qualities that helped shape one of the UK’s most respected children’s hospice charities.
Anita’s journey began with a simple belief that every child with a life-limiting condition deserves the highest level of care, and every family deserves support, dignity and kindness. She recalls how the local community rallied around her vision in the early days, responding with remarkable generosity whenever she asked for help. “The kindness people showed was truly amazing,” she says. “Whenever support was needed for the children, people gave so much.”
One of the defining moments of her career came in 1988, when Diana, Princess of Wales, officially opened Acorns Children’s Hospice. Anita remembers the day vividly. “It was an incredible experience. Princess Diana wanted to see every child, regardless of their condition or appearance. She treated everyone with such compassion.” The connection continued years later when Prince William visited Acorns following his mother’s passing, a moment that held deep meaning for the families and team.
Throughout her life, Anita has remained closely involved with Acorns, continuing to volunteer and support the charity whenever she can. She speaks with pride about the families who return to help long after their own journeys have changed. One story that stays with her is of a young girl who met Princess Diana at Acorns when she was seven, and decades later, she still raises funds for the charity. “Families never forget the support they receive,” Anita says. “Their loyalty and gratitude stay with you forever.”
Her achievements are many, but she is most proud of the way people came together to support the cause, and of the honour of welcoming Princess Diana to the hospice. Founding Acorns taught her the importance of caring for others, a lesson she continues to share with the next generation of care professionals. Her advice is simple: “Never stop supporting children and families when they need you most.”
Today, Anita finds comfort in knowing the impact her life’s work has had. “It means a great deal to me to have spent most of my life supporting children who needed help,” she reflects. She remains passionate about community and meaningful activities that bring people together, and she continues to offer her support wherever she can.
Her message to the families, employees and supporters of Acorns is filled with gratitude. “Thank you to everyone who continues to help children and families. There are no words big enough to express my appreciation. The team and supporters give so much, and I am forever thankful.”
Anita Mason’s legacy is woven into the lives of thousands of families across England. Her story is a reminder of the extraordinary impact one person’s compassion can have and of the enduring power of community, kindness and care.
