THE chief executive of Acorns Children’s Hospice has been recognised with an award win at this year’s prestigious Midlands Institute of Directors Awards.

Toby Porter, who has been CEO at Acorns since 2016, won Third Sector Director of the Year in a virtual ceremony celebrating and showcasing business leaders and their achievements across the region.

He said: “I am very honoured to receive this award but this is truly an award for the entire Acorns Children’s Hospice team who have worked with such bravery and commitment at a time when this pandemic has created such a massive need for those that rely on our care.

"Our staff have been quite incredible during this pandemic and all our teams, including our nursing staff, Family Team Workers and volunteers have adapted our children’s hospice care in conditions of real complexity and peril and are still showing the same love and care that they always have done.

"Despite all the challenges we’re very proud to still be here for all those families that need us, feeling very optimistic with the news of a potential vaccine on the horizon and truly grateful for all the support we’ve had from our local community who continue to be there for us – including tonight, thank you."