A football shirt signed by Pele is among the items donated to raise money for a hospice which supports life-limited children.

Acorns for the Three Counties has received sporting memorabilia worth thousands of pounds.

All of the items have been donated by Firma Stella, a Hartlebury-based company which trades in authentic signed sporting memorabilia.

“We are fortunate to have a thriving business with great plans for the future and every year we take time out to think of charities providing unique services to our local communities,” said Peter Johnson, CEO of Firma Stella.

Mr Johnson decided to make the donation after visiting Acorns’ Bath Road hospice in Worcester.

He said his team were impressed by the work of the specialist care team at the facility.

Mr Johnson added: “It was clear to us that there is so much joy in the hospice, with so much effort going into making every day special.

"We could see for ourselves that it takes a lot for this special charity to operate 24/7, 365 days a year, but we know our donation will help more children receive great care and support throughout the year.”

As well as the shirt signed by the Brazilian football legend Pele, Firma Stella donated items including a signed Ben Stokes cricket bat and Tyson Fury boxing gloves.

The items are to be auctioned by Acorns at special events throughout 2023.

It is hoped the items will raise around £10,000 in vital funds which will go towards the charity’s work caring for life-limited children and providing support for their families across the region.

Noel Cramer, executive director of supporter engagement at Acorns, said: “We are absolutely over the moon with this amazing donation and the incredible generosity of Firma Stella.

“It was a wonderful day when Councillor Jabbar Riaz introduced me to Peter and Firma Stella, and it was very clear that the company was committed to donating to a local charity and making a real difference to the lives of local children and families.

“This set of special gifts gives us the chance to maximise the opportunity on offer. We are delighted to have such generous support and thank Peter and his team for their genuine commitment to, and interest in, Acorns Children’s Hospice.”

In the past year, Acorns has cared for more than 700 children and almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

To find out more about Acorns, visit www.acorns.org.uk