Acorns Children's Hospice appeal set to be boosted by Great Birmingham Run
The campaign to save Acorns Children's Hospice from shutting down will receive a huge boost tomorrow as supporters take to the streets with thousands of others to join in with the Great Birmingham Run.
The Acorns team are on track to raise thousands of pounds on top of more than £350,000 already raised to secure the future of the hospice.
Acorns CEO Toby Porter, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, and Carmel Caldicott, deputy head nurse at the Black Country hospice, will all be taking part in the annual event - and hope to raise thousands of pounds in the process.
James Wright, who ran 31 marathons in 31 days for the hospice, will also be taking part – dressed in a giant acorn costume.
Earlier this month Acorns Hospice revealed its crisis appeal has reached £350,000 in just over two months.
That puts the charity on target to reach the £2 million it needs to raise within two years in order to prevent the closure of its Black Country centre.
Staff have thanked those working tirelessly to raise money – and issued a rallying call for more help to keep the fundraising going.
Chief executive at Acorns Toby Porter is on track to raise £2,500 himself through his mission to run the Great Birmingham Run today.
He said he's taking part because "our charity is in a race against time".
He added: "We’ve got lots of fabulous runners taking part for Team Acorns this year, including West Midlands Mayor and Black Country appeal patron Andy Street and many more champion fundraisers.
"I’m proud to be among such good company. Thank you all for your support – your tireless efforts enable us to continue our work caring for children and families. I wish everyone a wonderful run.”
Also taking part in the run for Acorns are Emma Aspinall, director of care at Acorns; Carmel Caldicott, Acorns deputy head nurse; bereaved parent Tony Clarke; former Acorns staff member Ryan Smith and his wife Helena; Acorns ambassador Luke Corbet, who took part last year; and Johanna Saunders, physiotherapist at Acorns.
The Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Run – Half Marathon kicks off at 9am tomorrow.
Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/acornstoby to donate to Toby's fundraising page.
