Walsall FC players call for people to join Acorns Santa Run

Defenders Mat Sadler and Cameron Norman have sent out a rallying call for more people to join the festive fundraiser which is coming back to the Black Country on December 8.

The seasonal event, which is taking place at Walsall Arboretum, will see hundreds of good boys and girls of all ages dress as Santas and little Elves to raise money for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Urging people to join Acorns Santa Run, Mat Sadler said: “Please get behind this incredible charity and help us raise money for Acorns by signing up for Santa Run.”

Mat and teammate Cameron have seen first-hand how money raised through Acorns Santa Runs helps the charity continue its work caring for children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions.

The duo visited Acorns in the Black Country, based in Walsall, where they were given a tour of the hospice’s specialist facilities and spent time with children and families.

Acorns was announced as Walsall FC’s charity partner for the 2019/20 season. The club has pledged to raise £10,000 towards Walsall-based hospice throughout the year.

Mat added: “Acorns Children’s Hospice is a very special place. Mat Sadler and I were lucky enough to visit the hospice in Walsall recently and we saw the amazing work the charity does for ourselves.

“However, they can only continue caring for the children and their families there with your help.”

New for 2019 at Acorns Santa Run is an interactive festive trail which is fun for all the family. Those who want to challenge themselves can take part in a 5k run. There will also be the same great food and music, plus free family days out included.

Rachel Farrington, Acorns events officer, said: “It’s fantastic to have Mat and Cameron on board supporting Acorns Santa Run as events like this are important for fundraising. Every penny raised will help us continue our vital work caring for children and families across the Black Country and the wider West Midlands.”

Acorns in the Black Country is currently at the centre of a £2 million fundraising appeal to safeguard its longer-term future. The Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal was launched by Acorns in July as the proposed closure of its hospice in Walsall was put on hold following pledges of additional NHS support, that should ensure the hospice is adequately funded from 2023/24 onwards.

Tickets for Acorns Santa Run are priced £15 for adults, £10 for children and £5 for dogs. Under 2s are free.

Tickets cover the cost of the event, but every penny raised in sponsorship goes directly to supporting local children and families. Tickets include free entry to a host of visitor attractions, including National Sea Life Birmingham and Thinktank.

To sign up for Acorns Santa Run, visit acorns.org.uk/santa-fun-run