Citizen Khan star Adil Ray visits Acorns as he urges people to keep fundraising
Actor and comedian Adil Ray helped lift spirits as he dropped into Acorns children's hospice to back its survival appeal.
The Citizen Khan star, who is an Acorns patron, paid a visit to mark the relaunch of the £2 million appeal to save the hospice.
The Birmingham-born comedian said he had been amazed by the public response to the campaign, which has so far raised £885,000, and urged people to keep giving.
Acorns has relaunched its appeal, which was paused due to the coronavirus outbreak, and is now appealing for help get it past the £1 million mark.
The incredible efforts so far mean the threat of immediate closure has been lifted, but cash is still needed to ensure the hospice, which cares for around 230 families, can survive until 2023 when fresh NHS funding becomes available.
Adil said: "We’ve all been through a really tough time in the last few months and who knows what lies ahead. I think seeing what is happening here puts everything into perspective how fortunate so many of us are and how unfortunate and how dire the situation can be for the most vulnerable.
"And if you need an example of those people, they’re right here at Acorns hospice. I’m totally inspired by the families here, I met a couple of young lads today talking about Formula 1 and all sorts of things, not realising what they’re going through on a daily basis and some of the staff here, who are just incredible.
"We know that Walsall has really, really been in a terrible situation for a while now but has turned it around and the reason why it has turned it around is thanks to the community and thanks to everybody who’s donated an amazing amount of money to keep this hospice going.
"They’ve got a target of £2 million and so far, they’ve raised £885,000 and they tell me it is purely from the people in the local area, which is just fantastic.
"They would not have been able to look after the children in the last few months during this coronavirus pandemic if it wasn’t for that support and those kind donations.
"They’re almost there for the full amount so please, please try and dig deep.
"I know it’s incredibly hard but whatever you can do will help these children and the staff here immensely.
"So, on behalf of Acorns hospice, thank you."
