Acorns Children’s Hospice is calling on people to give the gift of time and help bring the magic to Acorns Bubble Rush 2025.

Taking place on Sunday 20 July, Bubble Rush is the foam-filled, family-friendly 5km where participants – from toddlers to grandparents – can run, walk or dance their way through four brightly-coloured bubble stations.

To make this year’s event another big success, the charity, which provides care for seriously ill children across the West Midlands, is looking to recruit a team of enthusiastic volunteers to join the fun and support one of the most vibrant charity events of the year.

Sophie Boreham, Events Manager at Acorns, said: “With the countdown to Bubble Rush 2025 well underway, we need YOU, the local community, to get involved and make it the bubbliest and biggest event to date!”

“There’s a volunteer role for everyone – from encouraging people to try their luck on the tombola or hook a duck, to putting on your best performance as Alex the Acorn.

"Volunteering not only looks great on your CV, it also means you’re directly helping children and families who rely on our support. We can’t wait to see you there!”

There are a whole host of volunteer roles available from assisting with event set-up, pack-down and cheering on participants as course marshals to running stalls and games in the event village and even stepping into costume as Alex the Acorn – the charity’s cheerful mascot.

The event, which is being sponsored by leading West Midlands law firm Talbots Law, presents a meaningful opportunity for volunteers to support Acorns work in providing specialist care for local children with life limiting and life threatening conditions and support for their families.

Dedicated volunteer, Moira Brookhouse, knows just how powerful volunteering for Acorns can be. Moira has supported the charity at events like Bubble Rush for over a decade. Her commitment is deeply personal – a heartfelt way for her to give back to a charity that stepped in at a time when she needed them most. 

She said: “Acorns provided me and my family with wonderful support at the beginning of 2011. Sadly, my daughter, Leah, was diagnosed with Edwards’ syndrome and only lived for 37 days. Without the support of Acorns, we would have struggled to get through that extremely challenging time in our lives.”

Moira sees her volunteering as more than just an act of service; it’s a way to honour Leah’s memory while helping other families. She explained: “By volunteering, it is a way of giving something back and supporting a fabulous charity which continues to help local families with disabled children.”

Moira also finds joy in the connections she makes through volunteering for Acorns: “I always enjoy meeting other volunteers along with the Acorns Events team,” she shared. “We have fun, and it is always so encouraging to find out how much money has been raised. I will continue to volunteer and look forward to taking part in future events.”

Volunteer shifts are available between 7am and 3pm, with flexible timings to accommodate all availability. 

Every hour of support will make a difference, with all funds raised from the event going directly towards the vital care Acorns provides for families across the West Midlands.

Sophie added: “Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Acorns and play a vital role in helping us deliver fun-filled events like Bubble Rush. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to continue to support the children and families who need us most.

“And don’t forget there’s still time to sign up as a participant – just visit our website for more details.” 

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support for their families. 

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care. 

This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.

Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.

To sign up as a Bubble Rush volunteer, visit acorns.org.uk/bubblevolunteer.