Early Christmas present for hospice children

A hospice providing lifeline care for seriously ill children in Worcestershire has been ‘humbled’ by a Christmas donation thanks to the support of local bereaved families.

Acorns Children’s Hospice, which provides vital care for young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and support to families, received £11,500 thanks to families who allowed the recycling of any metals left over after the cremation of their loved ones at Redditch Crematorium.

Mel Hall, area fundraiser for Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “We are humbled by the generosity of the families who supported this scheme at what would have been extremely difficult times in their own lives. This is a legacy that will make a very real difference to the children and families Acorns supports.”

Redditch Borough Council, which owns Redditch Crematorium, donated the money raised through families’ support.

Cllr Sharon Harvey, Redditch Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, said: “Acorns does such good work for seriously ill children in our area. We are proud to be able to pass on the generosity of so many families like this, which will help Acorns do more of that work which supports people going through really difficult times, especially at such a poignant time of year as Christmas.”

Acorns provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people, and support for their families including those who are bereaved. According to the Wythall-based charity, it needs around £35,000 a day to provide that care out of its three Acorns hospices, in Worcester, Birmingham, and Walsall, and in the community too.

Mel added: “Thank you to the crematorium for facilitating this donation. We rely on generous donations and fundraising by the local community for about two thirds of the funding we need to continue the important work of caring for more than 780 children and over 1,000 families every year. It’s even more fitting that, when sustainability is such a priority for Acorns, it’s a recycling scheme that is helping us here.”

Redditch Crematorium provides the optional metal recycling scheme as part of its service to families. Any funds it raises are regularly donated to charities that support local people through bereavements and end-of-life care.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Joe Baker, added: “The crematorium’s long history of green innovation and support for our wonderful local charities is something Redditch can be really proud of.”

To find out more and get involved with Acorns, visit www.acorns.org.uk.