Care at Christmas: New year will be challenging for Acorns Children's Hospice but there are plenty of ways for us to journey alongside the families

Acorns Children's Hospice centres are always joyful places at Christmas. The dedicated staff wouldn't allow it to be any other way. But as the decorations come down, and the Express & Star's Care at Christmas campaign draws to a close, chief executive Trevor Johnson is keen to focus on the year ahead.

Trevor explains that the campaign has given the hospice charity which has three centres serving youngsters from the Black Country, Staffordshire, Wyre Forest and Birmingham, a crucial boost at Christmas, but points out that raising awareness about the  charity's work and much-needed funds  is an all-year-round affair.

“The Express & Star’s Care at Christmas campaign has been amazing in raising awareness of the lifeline work we do at Acorns and bringing it to the attention of thousands of readers across the region.

“We want to thank everyone who has backed this campaign, those who have donated and those who have been inspired to fundraise for Acorns in the future – it is people like you who ensure that we can continue to provide our vital care for seriously ill children and their families," Trevor says.

“We are deeply grateful to the Express & Star for helping to shine a spotlight on our children’s hospice care and for their unwavering support in highlighting our work, the challenges we face across the sector and the real-life stories that happen in our hospices every day.

“The money raised from this campaign will fund five overnight stays for families at Acorns. We recently welcomed the Government’s announcement that NHS England funding for children’s hospices will continue into 2025/26 and we now look forward to understanding more about how the money will be distributed.

“As ever more than two thirds of our funding will continue to come from donations and the generosity of people across the Black Country and the West Midlands. As we now welcome a new year it’s the perfect time to make a resolution to give something back and by supporting Acorns you’ll be helping us to be there for children and families when they need us the most.

“There are many opportunities for supporters to get involved with Acorns throughout the year. You can volunteer, fundraise, join an event, make a donation or simply visit our shops. You can take part in events such Bubble Rush, our Sahara Trek, Glow Walk, the London Marathon or the ‘The Town’ Gala dinner with special guest Steven Knight.

“However you choose to support Acorns you will be changing lives, thanks to all those who have read all our stories during this important campaign and for recognising the importance of the work Acorns does,” he explains.