Sports stars from Worcestershire Country Cricket Club hit a pitch-perfect six during a special visit to Acorns Children’s Hospice yesterday (Monday 18 December).
Children and families at the charity’s hospice for the Three Counties were bowled when the cricket aces took a break from their busy schedules to give gifts, enjoy a tour and take part in a festive sing-along.
Among those bringing some extra festive cheer to Acorns, were ex-England star and WCCC Chief Executive Ashley Giles, men’s senior squad Captain Brett D’Oliveira, bowler Ben Gibbon, all-rounder Matthew Waite, and batter Jake Libby.
Mel Hall, Acorns Area Fundraiser for Worcester, said: “Christmas is such a special time at Acorns and having our friends at Worcestershire County Cricket Club on our ‘turf’ is always such a highlight. The players were great sports – they really got stuck into all our festive crafts and came away covered in paint and glitter. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone at the Club for taking the time to come and see us.
“Not only did the visit bring huge smiles to children and families, it also showed our amazing hospice team how valued they are and proved to be a wonderful example of how supporters like Worcestershire County Cricket Club are a vital link in helping us create special moments for the children and families we support.”
Club Captain, Brett D’Oliveira said: “We always look forward to our annual Christmas visit to Acorns. It was lovely to join in with the festive carols and meet with the children and their families.”
Acorns 2023 Christmas appeal highlights how the charity can only be stronger for local families with the help of the community.
Stronger Together at Christmas calls upon the public to help Acorns ensure families caring for life limited and life threatened children never face their journey alone and aims to raise funds towards the charity’s lifeline care and support.
Acorns needs around £30,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising.
Mel Hall added: “It’s only with the support of the public and special partnerships, like the one we have with our friends at Worcestershire County Cricket Club, that we can continue to be there when families need us most. Please donate to our appeal and help us continue our care for families facing the unimaginable. Together we are stronger.”
In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 750 children across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, and almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.
Find out how you can help Acorns be stronger for local children and families this Christmas and all year round by visiting acorns.org.uk/christmastogether