A major project to refurbish a children’s hospice used by families across the Black Country edged closer to completion this week.

Acorns Children’s Hospice, which launched the work to transform its Walsall-based hospice in February last year, has now officially received the keys back to the site from building contractor Murray & Willis.

This means Acorns can kick-off a period of important activity to prepare the facility on Walstead Road ready for the return of the local children and their families that use it.

Acorns Director of Care, Emma Aspinall, said: “This is a huge milestone and it’s exciting that the reopening of our hospice is edging ever closer.

“Whilst there is still work to be done to get the hospice ready, we can’t wait to welcome local children and their families back through the doors again.

“We want to say a huge thank you to Murray & Willis for making our vision for the hospice a reality. It has been a pleasure to work with them over the course of this major project.”

Before the hospice can reopen, Acorns has a number of activities planned including deep cleans and preparation of the rooms and corridors with soft furnishings and displays.

There will also be a schedule of training for the hospice’s specialist care teams on some of the hospice’s new state-of-the-art facilities, which include piped oxygen in all the children’s bedrooms.

Allan Stevenson, Murray & Willis Director, said: “Murray & Willis are delighted to have been involved as the main contractor for the refurbishment works at Acorns in Walsall.

“It has been a privilege to deliver such a great new facility which the children can get great pleasure from for year to come.”

To help fund the refurbishment, the Room to Grow Appeal was launched by Acorns in 2022 to raise £750,000. Over the course of the year, a number of individuals, sporting teams and organisations from the local community have donated towards the Appeal, which currently stands at around £600,000.

Emma added: “We wouldn’t be here today without the help of the local community who have been so brilliant in donating and campaigning for our hospice. Now we’re on the homeward straight I would urge people to visit our website, get involved and help us get the Appeal over the finish line.” 

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides vital palliative care for babies, children and young people across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire. Acorns in the Black Country, based in Walsall cares for around 200 children and provides support for their families, every year. This support is provided both in the hospice and in family homes.

To find out how you can support the Room to Grow Appeal, visit www.acorns.org.uk/roomtogrow