Acorns appeal passes £600,000 mark thanks to 'superhuman runner' James
A children's hospice which is fighting for survival is now more than half way towards reaching £1 million.
Acorns has now reached the £600,000 mark as fundraising efforts continue to help ensure it can stay open permanently.
The much-loved hospice, based in Walsall, needs to raise £2 million to ensure it can stay open until 2023 when new funding becomes available.
The incredible efforts of fundraisers across the Black Country and beyond have already staved off the threat of immediate closure and ensured it will be able to continue providing invaluable support for families during 2020.
The latest milestone was passed thanks to James Wright, the man who has been dubbed the "superhuman runner" due to his mind-boggling exploits.
The 40-year-old, from Low Hill, Wolverhampton, ran 31 marathons in 31 days before running 90 miles in one go down the Grand Union Canal.
Amazing
On that occasion he was attempting to cover 145 miles but had to abandon the attempt when his support vehicle broke down. He returned to the canal to complete the final 55 miles yesterday , finishing in front of jubilant friends and family at Gas Street Basin in Birmingham. He has raised more than £25,000 on his own for the charity.
James said: "It’s a hospice Gemma and I know very well. A child very close to our hearts used this amazing service and we know first hand what Acorns provides.
“For the families – many with nowhere else to turn – Acorns is a lifeline. Without it they’d be lost. The challenges they’d face along life’s journey would be intense, and in some cases too much to cope with.”
Acorns chief executive Toby Porter said: "I am very pleased to share the news that the total donated to the Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal has passed £600,000, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the local community in the Black Country, and to the fundraising efforts of some extraordinary supporters.
"It is fitting that the £600,000 milestone has been reached thanks to James Wright, who has raised over £18,000 after completing his 145 mile run of the Grand Union Canal - £15,000 alone for his incredible run has been pledged by the Rotary Club of Dudley."
