Acorns Children’s Hospice has announced the appointment of Citizen Khan star, Adil Ray OBE, as a Patron for the charity.

Established in 1988, Acorns offers a network of care for life-limited and life-threatened babies, children and young people and their families, across the heart of England. Acorns is the UK’s and the world’s largest children’s hospice charity. Toby Porter, Chief Executive of Acorns, said: 

“We are absolutely thrilled that Adil has agreed to become a patron as we approach our 30th anniversary of caring for children and supporting their families.

"Adil is recognised and respected across our region not just for his acting and broadcasting work, but also as an extremely important advocate for many of the things that we value most deeply at Acorns – compassion, inclusion, diversity, and the importance of communities supporting one another.

“His engagement and support will be a huge help in raising awareness across Birmingham and the West Midlands for the care provided by Acorns to the children and families that is our privilege to serve”.

In the past year, Acorns has provided care for more than 870 children, and over 1,090 families - including those who are bereaved. It is currently the world’s largest children’s hospice charity, facing costs of £9.6 million a year to run its care services. 

Mr Ray added: “I am delighted to become a Patron of Acorns. I have been very impressed, and also very moved, during the visits I have made to their Birmingham hospice. This is a very special local charity, helping children and families facing the toughest imaginable challenges, and I think Acorns deserves all of our support. 

“I would be delighted if I can help Acorns to continue to provide their special blend of care to any child and family that needs their support well into the future. I look forward to rolling my sleeves up and doing what I can for the inspirational children and families.”