Jasper Carrott and Tony Iommi back appeal to save Acorns children's hospice
Comedian Jasper Carrott and rock legend Tony Iommi have thrown their weight behind the campaign to save Acorns children's hospice in Walsall.
The West Midlands icons have called on people to give whatever they can to support the appeal to raise £2 million, which is being backed by the Express & Star.
It comes as charity bosses revealed tens of thousands of pounds were raised in the first week of the appeal through kind donations, many of which came from E&S readers.
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.
People across the Black Country and beyond are now being urged to keep the momentum going and continue supporting the campaign. Donating is easy and can be done in seconds by texting Acorns5 or Acorns10 to 70025 to give either £5 or £10.
Various fundraising events are beginning to spring up around the region as people continue to show their support for Acorns, which is holding a family fun day at the hospice on Saturday.
It was revealed last week that the centre on Walstead Road, which had been earmarked for closure, had been given a reprieve. It will now stay open until April but £2 million needs to be raised if it is to survive beyond next spring.
Celebrity support
Now, some of the region's best-known celebrities have got on board with the Acorns and E&S appeal.
Jasper Carrott urged people to give what they can.
The Birmingham-born comic and television presenter said: “Children’s hospices provide crucial support to families during the most difficult of times that most of us are lucky enough to have never experienced.
"We should be incredibly proud of Acorns work in providing a vital lifeline to children and families.
“That’s why I’m backing the urgent Appeal to raise money to keep the Black Country children’s hospice open for the 233 families that rely on its services. Please support the campaign - it’s a no brainer.”
Meanwhile Tony Iommi, the Black Sabbath guitarist who found fame alongside Ozzy Osbourne, said: “It's fantastic news that Acorns in the Black Country has been given a lifeline, giving them a chance to raise the money needed to stay open permanently.
“All of the families that access the fantastic services provided at the children's hospice, as well as the staff and volunteers, rely on everyone in the community getting behind this urgent appeal so please donate or give your time to help raise money for this amazing place. Thank you.”
Also lending his backing to the appeal was Glynn Purnell, celebrity TV chef and owner of Michelin starred Purnell’s Restaurant in Birmingham.
He said: “As a proud Brummie and dad of three, I’m backing the Acorns urgent appeal to help save their Black Country children’s hospice.
“All the kids and their families who rely on the fantastic care provided by the staff and volunteers there need your support, so dig deep folks – bake a cake, do a sponsored dad danceathon, climb a mountain or just make a pledge. Every little helps.”
The total amount raised so far is still being calculated but tens of thousands of pounds have been given.
Acorns chief executive Toby Porter said: "We’ve been overwhelmed by the amazing response from the Black Country and beyond since we announced that there was hope for our Walsall hospice.
“The expressions of support from local people and well-known names alike is fantastic, and a reflection of how important and valued we know the work the amazing Acorns staff do in the hospice and with families across the Black Country.
“There’s a long way to go, and we need as many people as possible to get behind our urgent appeal, share it with their friends, families and work colleagues, and help us reach our £2 million goal.”
