Patron of Acorns Children’s Hospice, Benjamin Zephaniah has hailed a charity partnership from supermarket giant Morrisons that will provide vital support to local families across the region.

Morrisons announced the partnership with Together for Short Lives, a national charity supporting the UK’s children’s hospices following a colleague vote. The partnership will aim to raise around £10 million over three years for the 54 children’s hospices TfSL represents.
 
Speaking in a video message, the Brummie writer and actor Benjamin Zephaniah, said: “This is amazing news, I am over the moon!

"I want to say thanks to Morrisons for choosing Together for Short Lives as your next charity partner. Your support will make a lifetime of difference to thousands of seriously ill children and their families right across the UK. 

“As Patron of Acorns Children’s Hospice, I have seen first-hand the amazing support that children’s hospices provide for families, helping them make the most of every moment together. Morrisons, from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of Acorns and all the hospices across the country, we say thank you.”

Together for Short Lives will become Morrisons’ new charity partner from February, when the company’s current partnership with Young Lives vs Cancer comes to a close. David Potts, CEO at Morrisons said:

“It's been a privilege to support Young Lives vs Cancer for the last five years and I'd like to thank our colleagues, customers and suppliers for their efforts in raising over £17m - in particular our Community Champions who’ve worked so tirelessly.  

“We’re looking forward to teaming up with Together for Short Lives and providing vital support for children's hospices across our local communities.”

Every single Morrisons store and site will be connected with their local children’s hospice, including Acorns, raising much-needed funds to help them provide families facing the unimaginable with vital care and the chance to make cherished memories together."

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for children and support for their families from its three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community. 

In the past year the charity has cared for more than 700 children and almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. It cost Acorns £27,000 per day to provides its lifeline care and support, the bulk of which comes from fundraising and donations.