Acorns Children’s Hospice has announced important progress in the battle to save its Black Country Hospice from closure thanks to an incredible response from the local community - but urged the public to keep donating.

The charity’s Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal has now reached an impressive £450,000 in four months – but Acorns still needs to raise more than three quarters of the £2m target to secure the long-term future of its Walsall-based hospice. 

Following a meeting of the Board of Trustees early last week, the charity announced they are in the position to remove the earlier limit on families booking stays for their children beyond March 2020. 

Despite the optimistic announcement, Acorns Chief Executive, Toby Porter admitted there was still a long way to go and urged the public to keep supporting the charity. He said:

“Today is a significant day in the journey of our Appeal. £450,000 is a fantastic milestone, and we have reached it faster than we expected when we launched it in July. We are obviously hopeful, but we cannot and will not rest for one moment before we reach our £2 million goal. 

“Words cannot express how grateful we are to everyone who has supported the Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal so far. The community is responding in an amazing way, and every day directly funding the vital children’s hospice care that more than 230 children and their families across the Black Country rely upon. 

“We are determined to reach our goal. I want to thank everyone who has responded so generously and who have shown that we can reach our target. I would urge people to join us in recommitting to the Appeal and continue to support the Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal until it reaches its final £2m target.”

The Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal was launched by Acorns on 19th July as the proposed closure of its hospice in Walsall was put on hold following pledges of additional NHS support, that should ensure the hospice is adequately funded from 2023/24 onwards. 

The urgent call for donations has seen the local community mobilise into action, with numerous individuals, celebrities, businesses and sports teams all stepping-up to support the charity. Toby added:

“Today is a really positive milestone reached. Families can book stays at our Walsall hospice further into the future. 

“However, we still have a long way to go. Please continue to fundraise and to donate in the amazing ways that you have been doing and help ensure the long-term delivery of our care across the Black Country for the children and families that need us.”

To support the Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal, you can visit acorns.org.uk/appeal.