Today we have an important brief for a great cause that is close to the hearts of the OMB community. Almost 2 years ago, we ran our first brief to raise awareness and donations for treatment for Isabella Lyttle, who was suffering with Neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer. In May this year, we received the devastating news that Isabella lost her fight and we ran a tribute brief to celebrate her inspirational life.
Just weeks after Isabella' passed away, it was announced that due to insufficient funds, Acorns Black Country Hospice in Walsall would be closing it's doors to the 230 life limited and life threatened children and their families who receive vital care and support there. Acorns was a huge support to Isabella and her family for almost 9 years. Isabella loved going there, and the care she received gave her and her parents much needed support during her long illness and in the few weeks following Isabella's death.
That’s why we hope the OMBLES will help us support this cause today!
Please include @OneMinuteBriefs and @AcornsHospice along with the hashtag #SaveOurHospice and link https://www.acorns.org.uk/appeal/ in your tweets.
Prize for the winning idea:
Personalised Thank You Card
Acorns Hospice T-Shirt
£30 Amazon Vouchers
About the Appeal: Save Acorns Black Country Hospice
In June it was announced that Acorns Children's Hospice would be closing the doors to its Black Country Hospice in Walsall. This hospice provides a lifeline to the 230 life limited and life threatened children and their families who receive vital care and support there. Parents immediately began the fight to save the hospice, with Mark Lyttle (Isabella's Dad) even visiting Westminster to put forward their case for more government funding. The hard work of parents and the local community has paid off, and the decision to close Acorns Black Country Hospice has been put on hold for four months following a commitment of new NHS funding from Black Country healthcare commissioners and an earlier announcement by NHS England that they would double their central funding to support the country's children's hospices over the next 5 years. This lifeline means that the hospice in Walsall can stay open to Black Country children and families until at least the end of March 2020, but £2million will need to be raised to keep the hospice from closure altogether. Urgent fundraising is needed to keep the doors of Acorns Black Country Hospice open beyond next year.
About Acorns
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides babies, children and young people aged 0 – 18 years who have life limiting or life threatening conditions and associated complex needs with a network of specialist palliative nursing care and support. Acorns provide a holistic service which meets the needs of both the children and their families, including the bereaved. This includes short break provision; emergency and end of life care; therapeutic and psychosocial support; sibling services and family support.
Link:
https://www.acorns.org.uk/appeal/
https://twitter.com/acornshospice