Acorns: Bubbles galore as events boost hospice funds - with VIDEO and PICTURES
The campaign to save Acorns children’s hospice in Walsall from closure got into full swing over the weekend as fundraising events were held in the region.
It was announced on Friday that the closure much-loved hospice had been put on hold and that £2 million needs to be raised to save it for good.
The Express & Star has launched a major appeal to help secure the future of the hospice and is calling on people to support the cause by giving what they can.
The first major events since the morale-boosting announcement were held over the weekend.
WATCH: Fundraising fun at Bubble rush event
More than 1,000 people came out for a Bubble Rush run held at Cofton Park in Birmingham.
A football tournament and family fun day was also held at Silverdale Football Club, just yards away from the hospice on Walstead Road.
How you can donate:
Text ACORNS5 to 70025 to donate £5*
Text ACORNS10 to 70025 to donate £10*
Visit acorns.org.uk/appeal
Phone: 01564 825 037
*With texts you will be charged your donation, plus your standard network rate. Acorns receives at least 98 per cent of your donation as it will incur a two per cent admin charge for this service. By texting, you are agreeing for Acorns to phone or text you to tell you about our work and how you can help. If you wish to donate and not hear from Acorns again, text ACORNS5 NO to 70025. For more information call 01564 825 037. Acorns Children’s Hospice registered charity no: 700859.
The idea for the football tournament came from 12-year-old Callum Bunce, who wanted to do something to help after hearing about the plight of the hospice on the news.
His family and Silverdale helped him set up the event.
Grandmother Carol Bunce, aged 59, from the Yew Tree estate, said there was already a sense people in the area were getting behind Acorns.
GALLERY: Football and fundraising at Silverdale FC
She said: “Now it’s all guns blazing. We have got lots sorted. We are all coming together because this is what we want to do - to save Acorns.
“It’s a fantastic place, a place that’s needed. It is our little paradise for the children and it is not going to be taken away - not without a fight anyway.”
Phoenix Collegiate pupil Callum said: “It is just to help out with Acorns and to support them with what they are doing. I want to help out.”
Families came out for the Bubble Rush on Saturday, where people took part in a sponsored 5k run with a difference. Those tackling the course passed through colourful bubble stations along the way.
It was the first major event to be held by Acorns since the announcement that the Walsall hospice had been given a morale-boosting reprieve. The charity must raise £2 million if it is to survive beyond next spring and bosses are hoping to galvanise support for the campaign.
The Bubble Rush raised money for the charity as a whole and its three hospices but some of the funds will go towards the Walsall cause.
GALLERY: Bubble Rush at Cofton Park
Event manager Kirsty Murray said: “We had just over 1,000 participants signed up, which is fantastic, and over 50 volunteers on the day.
“It is about sharing our story of what Acorns does and sharing with families and making sure they know about what we do.
“A huge thank you to all the volunteers. The funds will go towards Acorns’ 780 children and 1,220 families.”
Bosses have said if the total is reached the proposals to close the hospice will be scrapped completely.
