On 27th April 2025 I will be running The London Marathon ( my first and probably last marathon...!) in aid of Acorns Children's Hospice - a charity that is very close to my family's heart.

My older sister Lizzie was born with cerebral palsy but she never let this hold her back. Everyone lucky enough to have known or spent time with her knew Lizzie was a happy, fun loving and courageous girl with a fantastic sense of humour!!

My parents attest that looking after a child with complex medical needs is challenging, but during Lizzie's lifetime Acorns Children's Hospice provided outstanding care and support for both my parents and Lizzie. As a family we reminisce on stories from Lizzie's short lifetime and this often also involves reflecting on how fantastic Acorn's were in helping and supporting in the toughest of times. Hence I would like to use this opportunity to give something back and run the London marathon in memory of Lizzie whilst also supporting Acorns Children's Hospice.

What do Acorns Children's Hospice do?

Being told that your child will never reach adulthood or will never walk, talk or be able to feed for themselves is not something that the majority of us have to face. But for those that do it is often hard to know who to turn to and who will understand what you are going through.

It is in these situations that Acorns is able to help.

Acorns Children's Hospice offers a network of specialist palliative nursing care and support for local children and their families. They are there wherever and whenever families need them to be - in the hospice, community and at home. Their services include short breaks for children at their hospices, therapeutic and psychosocial support, support for siblings and other family members, emergency and end of life care and bereavement support.

In the past year, Acorns have supported over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families across the West Midlands, including those who have been bereaved.

Where will your money go?

£20 could help fund the equipment specialist nurses require when providing care in the family home.

£45 could pay for one hour of vital care for a child in one of Acorns hospices.

£100 could pay for a family to stay with Acorns overnight.

Whatever amount you are able to give will help families when they really need it the most.

https://www.acorns.org.uk/

Thank you!

Holly xx