Annie was born with a CASK gene mutation which meant her brain didn’t develop properly. She had vision and hearing loss, intractable epilepsy and profound global developmental delay. In spite of all her challenges, Annie was a lively, happy and determined little girl who loved her life and the people in it. She learned to bounce, crawl and eventually even walk a little to get to her favourite people (and food!) and loved nothing more than fun and cuddles with her family and friends.

Annie also loved swimming but as she couldn’t regulate her temperature properly - normal pools left her too cold and vulnerable to complications. Acorns’ hydrotherapy pool was perfect for Annie as it was heated and in a warm room so she didn’t go blue!

Acorns is a Children’s Hospice in the West Midlands providing support for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions. As well as hydrotherapy they offer overnight respite stays for the children. The children can enjoy music therapy, creative art and craft sessions, complementary therapies and much more. Whenever she visited Annie would be itching to get out of her wheelchair and explore. She loved the multi sensory room!

Acorns also have a specialist end of life suite and in August 2024 Annie needed to make use of this as she was too tired to fight any longer. The wonderful nurses and support staff at Acorns looked after the needs of Annie and her Mum, Dad and older sister so that they could spend Annie’s final days in peace making some last happy memories together with no distractions.

Annie sadly passed away on 26th August 2024 and is constantly missed by her whole family, but we are all so grateful for the support Acorns provided before, during and after this devastating time.

It costs around £11 million to provide the vital children's hospice care to nearly 1,000 families each year. They rely on generous donations for two-thirds of this amount.

On 21 June, Jon, Darren Paul and I will attempt to Chase the Sun from the East to the West coast of England covering 205 miles and climbing 10,000 feet between sunrise and sunset. This is a chance for us to raise awareness of and say a small thank you for the incredible work that Acorns do for children like Annie. Work that makes such a difference to children but equally to their wider family. The expertise, support, love and care that Acorns provided to Annie has continued to be there for her sister, Mum and Dad in the last year. This last week Annie's older sister took part in a school production. Her councillor, from Acorns, was sat beaming at her in the audience. It said everything about the amazing work that Acorns do.

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