The fight to save funding for children's hospices has taken a step forward after a Worcester mum met with MPs.
On Wednesday, October 16, Liz Bishop went to Westminster to meet with representatives as part of the 'Save the Grant' campaign.
The campaign calls on the government to safeguard the £25 million NHS England Children's Hospice Grant, which provides £2 million annually to Acorns Children's Hospice.
The uncertain future of the grant is forcing children's hospices across the country to consider cuts to essential services.
Ms Bishop, whose late daughter Lily-Mai received care while fighting a brain tumour from Acorns Children's Hospice, attended the Westminster meeting with the charity's CEO Trevor Johnson.
She said: "It was fantastic to be back in Westminster again today and share my story about how Acorns provided amazing care for my daughter Lily-Mai and our whole family.
"The response from MPs has been really positive and it’s wonderful to know they will continue to raise this important issue in Parliament.
"To think there could be families like ours in the future who will miss out on vital care is really worrying.
"I hope the Government listens to our campaign and does something urgently to make sure Acorns, and every children’s hospice is protected."
Last month, Ms Bishop delivered a petition of more than 10,000 signatures to 10 Downing Street as part of the campaign.
The 'Children’s Care Matters' campaign was launched in July amid concerns over the uncertain future of the NHS England Children's Hospice Grant.
The demand for end-of-life care at Acorns has increased by 47 per cent over the past year.
Mr Johnson said: "We are very encouraged by the response today from MPs and extremely grateful for their time and commitment to understanding the importance of this funding issue for children’s hospices.
"Every day that passes without a positive announcement from the Government our concern for the most vulnerable in our community grows.
"And that’s why we will continue campaigning and work together with our supporters to ensure that no child or family who need vital care is ever turned away."
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