Acorns flight has festive smiles soaring for families - The Worcester Observer

Acorns flight has festive smiles soaring for families

Worcester Editorial 23rd Dec, 2019   0

“IT’S probably a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I don’t think we’ll get to go on a plane with him again.”

Such words from the happy mother of a little boy made a special flight for Acorns Children’s Hospice even more of a festive treat.

The family were one of a few dozen supported by Acorns who were able to enjoy an hour-long special ‘Santa flight’ laid on for the charity by the airline Flybe and Birmingham Airport.

Charity chief executive Toby Porter was among those taking to the skies over Birmingham to Wales and said it was probably the most wonderful few hours he would ever spend in his role at the helm of such a ‘fantastic’ charity.




“For many children, it was the first time they had been on a plane,” he said.

“It was a gift which combined the spirt of Christmas with one of our guiding beliefs at Acorns – the importance of helping create special memories for families of children who, sadly, may not have long lives.


“You could see the smiles everywhere, most importantly on the faces of children and their families, but also on the delighted faces of people from the airline and the airport, who worked so hard to make this flight happen.”

In the run-up to Christmas, there will be many other children and families at Acorns whose feet won’t touch the ground either, according to Mr Porter.

By Christmas Day, Acorns will have welcomed many visitors.

Children cared for by Acorns for the Three Counties, based in Worcester, will have enjoyed spending time with players from Worcester Warriors rugby club, Cheltenham Town football club and Worcestershire Country Cricket Club.

They will also have enjoyed a trip on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Steam Express on the edge of the Cotswolds.

In each of the visits and treats, with countless smiles and tears, they will create joyful moments and precious memories. Something unique and fragile, like a snowflake, the name charity staff have given to this year’s Christmas Appeal.

“We love Christmas at Acorns and celebrate it both as a special time for families, and a very important time of the year for giving,” Mr Porter added.

“We will especially celebrate it this year. Over the last 12 months, Acorns has received so much kindness and generosity from the local community in our own time of need.

“Thank you and a very happy Christmas to everyone who has allowed us to be there for children and families who need Acorns.

“With your support, we will do our best to make every day a special day next year for any child and family in Worcester who needs us.”

Visit www.acorns.org.uk for more.

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