Care at Christmas: Budding footballer gets surprise treat as Walsall FC gets behind Acorns Children's Hospice

For those going through health issues and conditions, it can be a challenging time full of worry and uncertainty.

However, it can be just as challenging and just as hard for the families, with parents and siblings alike left wondering what the future will hold.

Acorns Children's Hospice works hard to help everyone affected by health conditions or going through palliative and end-of-life care by offering treats and visits.

Noah Cross from Sutton Coldfield was the lucky recipient of a treat from Acorns when he was given a full tour of Walsall FC on Thursday, December 12.

The eight-year-old and his father Matthew were taken around the Poundland Bescot Stadium and the budding goalkeeper was also given a special surprise when he met first team goalkeepers Sam Hornby, Tommy Simkin and George Barrett, who gave him a full Walsall kit as a present.

Mr Cross said his son had been left amazed by the experience and had become a Walsall fan as a result.

He said: "It was absolutely amazing and I don't think he could believe it.

"It was amazing for him to meet the players. He could not believe it when it happened, but he has got a big smile on his face so I think it has sunken in. 

"Originally, he was an Aston Villa fan, but with the prices of things and the level of demand, we were looking for a second team, and in the car on the way home, he said he was going to be a Walsall fan now, with Villa being his second team."

The treat had been arranged for Noah as a partnership between Walsall FC and Acorns, where Noah's four-year-old brother Samuel is being treated for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Mr Cross said that Samuel had gone through a lot as the left side of his heart hadn't developed, as well as issues with heart valves, and had been through three open heart surgeries and a valve replacement.

He said that the treat for Noah had been part of Acorns' work to help all members of the family through the journey Samuel was going through.

He said: "His brother is ill because of the major heart condition that he has, but I know that Acorns will arrange things for the siblings as well, so that's what this visit was all about.

"Noah's been through the mill as well with it all and it was something for him as he does miss out on a lot, so Acorns knew how much he wants to be a goalkeeper and his love of football and they arranged it from that.

"Acorns have been absolutely amazing. What they do for everyone is wonderful, from the welcome they give us at the hospice at Walsall to how helpful the staff are and how friendly everyone is.

"For him, it was like a dream come true to meet three goalkeepers and they've even invited him to a proper training session as well, so he's absolutely loved every bit of this visit."

 The Express & Star has launched its Care at Christmas appeal in support of the trust.

To support Acorns, visit the new store and give here: acorns.org.uk/Star-Appeal