Walsall FC have kicked off their 2020 partnership with Acorns Children’s Hospice by visiting
families supported by the charity.

Saddlers defenders Callum Cockerill-Mollett and Kory Roberts enjoyed games and a
kickabout with children cared for at Acorns in the Black Country on Monday (27 January).
The visit was part of a renewed commitment by the Club to support a £2million Appeal by
the charity to save the Walsall-based hospice for the more than 200 families who rely on its
services.

Callum Cockerill-Mollett said: “It’s the first time I’ve visited the hospice and I’d like to do it
again because what they’re doing here is incredible. The staff here are working so hard and
what they’re doing makes them stand out as heroes.

“Being in a privileged position like we are as footballers, we need to help raise awareness for
fantastic causes like this and I’d encourage all our fans to do the same because to lose
something this special from our community would be a huge shame.”
Walsall FC, which announced Acorns as one of its charity partners for the 2019/2020
season, joined the campaign save Acorns hospice in the Black Country last autumn.

Registered charity no: 700859. Registered in England company no: 2036103.
Registered office: Drakes Court, Alcester Road, Wythall, Birmingham B47 6JR.
The Club has pledged to raise £10,000 towards the Save Acorns Black Country Hospice
Appeal, leaping straight into action with bucket collections at home games and a charity
dinner.

Saddlers Chairman Leigh Pomlett said: “When the Club joined the fight to save Acorns
hospice in the Black Country last year, we made a commitment to try and do all we can to
help. In 2020, we’re continuing that commitment on a more personal level with players
visiting the hospice at least once a month to spend time with the children and families who
use this vital service.

“If we can continue to raise awareness of this incredible charity by doing things like this,
hopefully it will inspire more people to back the campaign and help Acorns reach its
£2million fundraising target.”

Vicki Rowles, Head of Fundraising at Acorns, said: “We were delighted to welcome Walsall
FC players back to our hospice in the Black Country and we’re thrilled to hear it’s full steam
ahead with raising awareness and funds throughout 2020.

“Having a club like Walsall FC backing our Appeal is crucial if we’re going to continue getting
our message out there. The community has been phenomenal in supporting our Appeal so
far. We still have some way to go to reach our £2million target, so raising awareness of our
campaign is more important than ever. Huge thanks to everyone at Walsall FC for helping us
to do that.”

The Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal was launched by Acorns last July as the
proposed closure of its hospice in Walsall was put on hold following pledges of additional
NHS support, that should ensure the hospice is adequately funded from 2023/24 onwards.
The urgent call for donations has seen the local community mobilise into action, with
numerous individuals, celebrities, businesses and sports teams all stepping-up to support
the charity.

To support the Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal, visit www.acorns.org.uk/appeal