In April 2026 I'll be taking on the The TCS London Marathon 2026.

In June 2025 I had a tour of Acorn Village, the visit opened my eyes to the incredible amount of dedication, care, and hard work that goes into supporting adults with learning disabilities. I met the passionate staff, volunteers, and residents who together make Acorn Village such a special community.

What stood out the most was how much happens beyond what the public usually sees. From workshops and creative activities to everyday support and residential care, it was clear that every effort is made to empower individuals and help them live as independently and joyfully as possible.

Behind it all is a constant need to raise money for the charity to continue its amazing work. I saw firsthand how much effort goes into fundraising with organising events to managing donations, all while keeping the care services running smoothly. Every penny raised goes directly into enriching the lives of the residents and maintaining the high standard of care they receive.

The experience was humbling and eye opening. Acorn Village is more than just a care facility – it’s a place full of heart, purpose, and community spirit.

I'm proud to support them and help raise awareness for the brilliant work they do.

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Hopefully with your support I'll be able to raise much needed funds for Acorn Village, a local charity to me, based in Mistley, Manningtree, Essex.

I would like to thank you for your donation big or small.

About Acorn Village:

Acorn Village is a charity that provides residential and supported living facilities, care and support for adults with learning disabilities. We believe that life is for living and we put people first, disability second ensuring everyone meets their full potential in a nurturing environment.

Our objectives are met through daytime activities which encourage social interaction, learning new life skills, crafting, gardening, education, active leisure and entertainment. These activities are also open to adults with learning disabilities living in the wider community as well. Our family-centered ethos puts residents, staff, volunteers and their families at their heart of everything we do.

We continue to need to fundraise. This has become even more essential whilst looking ahead and making plans for this, taking into account the Cost of Living Crisis, which affects charities as well in ways such as rising energy costs for our residential properties and a steep increase in our food bill. We continue to fundraise to bridge the gap from the Local Authority fees we receive towards the care of each person who lives with us and the cost of our service provision.

Acorn Village was founded by a family over 50 years ago now, who wanted to see a brighter future for their daughter and other adults with learning disabilities. With the ethos in mind and continuing to provide far more than the basic care to our service users, has meant that fundraising is even more essential than it ever has been before.

If you want to learn a little more about Acorn Village you can visit The Walled Garden Café onsite or The Charity Shop. Follow their social media pages and visit their website www.acornvillages.com