Children and families were bowled over when players from Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s men’s squad paid a special visit to Acorns Children’s Hospice yesterday (Wednesday 14 December).
The group of first team players proved to be a huge hit with families and the team at the charity’s hospice for the Three Counties, with the good sports enjoying Christmas cracker crafts, followed by the players taking part in a sing and dance-along.
The fun-filled afternoon marked a welcome return for players, after a two-year break due to Covid-19.
Mel Hall, Acorns Area Fundraiser for Worcester, said: “Christmas is such a magical time at Acorns and welcoming visitors into the hospice makes it all the more special. This hasn’t been possible over the past two years, so it’s been wonderful to have our friends at Worcestershire County Cricket Club join us here at Acorns for the Three Counties once again.
“The Club is always such a delight to host and we’re so grateful to the Players for taking time out of their busy schedules to spend the afternoon with us. Not only did their visit bring joy to our children and families, it also showed our amazing hospice team how valued they are – they do some incredible work not just at Christmas time but all year round.”
Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s Head of Cricket Operations Carrie Lloyd said, “The players always look forward to their annual Christmas visit to Acorns and have really missed not being able to go for a couple of years due to Covid-19.
“The work Acorns do in the community is truly incredible, and as a Club we are proud to be able to support them.
The visit is a wonderful example of how Acorns creates joyful moments for
over 730 children and their families each year.
The charity’s 2022 festive Appeal is shining a spotlight on these special moments and calls upon the community to help make this Christmas special for local children and families.
Acorns Christmas Cracker Appeal aims to raise funds towards the charity’s vital nursing care and family support to ensure its dedicated teams can continue to create moments full of joy now and long into the future.
Mel Hall added: “For the families of a life limited child, these moments are especially important because they are lasting memories that will never be forgotten.
“It’s only with the support of our local community and special partnerships, like the one we have with our friends at Worcestershire County Cricket Club, that we can continue to create these joyful moments for children and families and put smiles on their faces. Please make donation to our Appeal and help us create more magical memories families can treasure for a lifetime.”
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for children and young people with life limiting and life-threatening conditions as well as support for their families.
In the past year, the charity has supported over 1,000 families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire, including those who are bereaved.
It costs Acorns £27,000 per day to fund its care and support services, the bulk of which comes from fundraising and donations by the local community.
To make a donation to the Acorns Christmas Cracker Appeal, please visitwww.acorns.org.uk/christmascracker
