Care at Christmas: Trek in the sun raises almost £115k for Acorns Children's Hospice and wins top film award
Supporters of Acorns Children’s Hospice donned hiking boots and sun block to raise the whopping sum of almost £115,000 by taking part in a sponsored walk in north Africa.
The group of more than 30 volunteers including bereaved relatives took the a 32-mile journey through the Moroccan part of the Sahara Desert by navigating obstacles such as ancient riverbeds, sand dunes and intense heat. Their valiant efforts raised £114,669 in aid of the hospice's fundraising Sahara Trek last year.
As part of the trek hospice bosses worked in partnership with Midlands video production company Ark Media Group whose team filmed what happened. The film crew's work in capturing the hikers' ups and downs has now won the best promotional film at the Royal Television Society Midlands Awards.
Acorn's events manager Kate Vousden, says: “Ark Media Group’s footage highlighted how storytelling is vital to us as a charity, and how it also helps us inform the public of the spirit of our supporters who go to extraordinary lengths to raise money for seriously ill children with life limiting and life threatening conditions.”
“It was a moving trek and the team walked every step with our supporters, going above and beyond to tell their personal stories. The team not only documented the journey, but also became involved, sharing the laughter, physical and emotional challenges and triumphs. The final breathtaking footage helped us capture the very essence of the lifeline work we do.”
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with them knowing we can trust they will deliver such amazing results, so we can continue to inspire and have a huge and lasting effect on the lives of the children and families who need us in the darkest of times.”
Ark Media's chief executive Phil Arkinstall adds that the company was delighted to win the award for the film titled 'Acorns Children’s Hospice: The Sahara Desert Journey'.
"Supporting local charities and the work they do to help families in need is a cause close to our hearts and our values at Ark, and this is about so much more than an award, but rounds off a very successful project to help raise awareness and the vital work that Acorns do."
Next year's trek project is fully booked with friends of the children's hospice which has sites in Walsall, Birmingham and Worcester taking on the Great Wall of China from October 18-25 to each raise a minimum of £2,500 for the charity.
Among those who took part last time was Walsall father Mark Lyttle in memory of his daughter Isabella who was cared for at the centre in Walstead Road in Walsall during her brave battle with a childhood cancer. Isabella died aged just 11 in 2019.
The Express & Star has launched its Care at Christmas campaign to help Acorns continue to give vital care and support to children and their families in the region.
To donate to the campaign visit acorns.org.uk/Star-Appeal
