On 14th May we are taking on this challenge to raise money for Acorns, and in memory of our beautiful Ben.  We will be trekking to the summit of Pen-Y-Fan in the Brecon Beacons, which is the highest peak in South Wales.  It is a 17km (10.5 miles) trek in some degree of darkness - but hopefully we will make it to the top in time to see the beauty of the sun rising. We are sure it will be a very special experience, but it will also be the most challenging thing we have ever done - especially for Helen who has been known to cry before at having to walk up a hill!!  

Our motivation will of course be Ben, who we know will be with us every step of the way (and definitely having a good old laugh at us!).  He went through so much in his 11 years 4 months, but always showed bravery, strength and resilience so we will be channelling him to get us through - and we know that whatever discomfort or difficulty we might face on this walk, its nothing to what he coped with.

As many of you know, Acorns were a huge support for us, and they do so much for all the families who sadly need their services. For us the most important part of what they did was to get us through the very worst of times.  After Ben passed away we stayed at the hospice for nearly 3 weeks, and this made a huge difference for us.  It allowed us first and foremost to still be with our boy, to totally detach from the outside world and any trace of normality, they gently guided and supported us through what we needed to do, they were there for our extended family, they were there to talk when we wanted to but gave us our space, they fed us and cared for us and made us feel safe and protected at the most scary of times.  We will always be so grateful that they held our hands through the unimaginable, and we want to make sure they can continue to do this for others who sadly face the same situation.  

When the unimaginable happens, Acorns Children's Hospice is with you every step of the way. Providing care for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions and support for their families from hospices in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester. It costs £27,000 every day to run Acorns services providing specialist care for children and support for their families. The charity relies heavily on donations to fund the majority of its activities. 

£3 could provide a meal for a child staying at a hospice 

£10 could fund art supplies for a session of specialist craft play

£15 could fund a replacement oxygen cylinder for a child at Acorns

£20 could fund the equipment Acorns nurses need to provide care in the family home.

Any amount you can give will help to make a difference in the lives of the local children and families supported by Acorns.