Sporting stars provide motivation for Acorns fundraisers
Three fundraisers supporting Acorns Hospice from their homes were given extra incentive to keep going as they were cheered on by three sporting heroes.
Former Villa star Gabby Agbonlahor and cricketing legends Graham Gooch and Ian Bell provided motivation as Duncan Mathieson, James Wright and Luke Corbet took on cycling and running challenges at home.
They clocked up £12,100 for Acorns, which is trying to raise £2 million to ensure the survival of its hospice in Walsall.
Duncan, managing director of Realis Estates and a vice president for Acorns, cycled non-stop for 12 hours as the sporting stars egged him on via Instagram Live.
Professional golfer James put the fun in fundraising by sporting a dinosaur costume and suit and tie as he completed a mammoth 100 miles on the treadmill, while Acorns ambassador Luke joined Duncan in a 12-hour cycle.
Duncan, whose feat alone raised £11,010, said: “It’s a tough time for everyone at the moment but it really is a difficult time for charities and hospices like Acorns. So, I am delighted to be able to play my part.
Challenging
“The cycle was very challenging at points, but I was spurred on thinking of the families who are caring for children 24-7 during these difficult times with no rest and the hospice staff who are working extremely hard to support them.”
Agbonlahor has supported Acorns through Villa's links with the charity, while Bell, a hero of England's 2005 Ashes triumph, plays for local side Warwickshire.
Also making an appearance on Duncan’s Instagram feed was Acorns Ambassador and Pride of Britain winner Moin Younis, professional boxer Richard Riakporhe and GB athletes Guy Learmonth and Jazmin Sawyers.
Vicki Rowles, head of fundraising at Acorns, said: “What an incredible team effort. It was wonderful seeing social media come alive as supporters followed their progress, not only cheering them on but also joining the conversation with Duncan and his special guests."
She added: “We need the public as much as ever, to continue to support Acorns as we stand together with our local communities during time of unprecedented national crisis.”
