Acorns children's hospice needs your help. While its dedicated staff look after life-limited children on the inside, you can do your bit on the outside. Zeena Lemon finds out how.

A peek inside Acorns

Acorns children's hospice in Worcester celebrates its first birthday this month, and over the course of that year it has given essential support to some 100 families, providing respite, emergency and terminal care for life-limited children.

A community team, on call 24 hours a day, also provides practical and emotional help for families in their homes, including bereavement counselling.

Unfortunately, it hasn't been plain sailing for Acorns. In January this year, it was forced to temporarily close four beds due to a lack of money. Less than 10 per cent of the charity's funding comes from Government sources, so it relies on the generosity of the public to provide the income needed to finance its vital services.

So that's why, on May 21, people from across the country will take part in the Acorns Great Malvern Triple Run at the Three Counties Showground. There will be three runs to choose from, so no one will miss out. The Great Malvern Run is a half-marathon for serious runners. The Malvern Spring will be a gentler 5km and the 1.1km Chicken Run has been specially designed for children with special needs.

Fran Winterbourn, Acorns community fundraiser, says: "This is a great day out, and something everyone can enjoy and take part in and raises a much needed amount of cash for the charity."

There are many ways that you can donate to Acorns and not all of them will cost you a great deal of time or effort. The smallest donation, however, can help make a difference to a child who is desperately ill.

How you can help acorns

Take part in the Acorns Triple Run - a new event taking place at The Showground in Malvern on May 21. There will be a run to suit all members of the family, including children. If you can't take part yourself, sponsor someone who can. For more information visit www.malverrun.org.uk

Join one of Acorns International Trek Challenges and have the adventure of a lifetime. Acorns runs a regular programme of exciting treks to far-flung places. For more information, visit www.challenge365.co.uk

Clear out your wardrobe and cupboards on a regular basis. Take any unwanted presents, clothes, books etc to your nearest Acorns shop. Make sure all items are good quality, clean and complete.

Organise a fun event with your friends or work colleagues. For example have a dress down day at work or a quiz night at a local pub. Charge to take part and send the cash to Acorns.

Join a local support group. If there isn't a group in your area contact Acorns to discuss how you can set one up.

Volunteer to help out at your local Acorns shop or in one of the hospices. You could work on reception or in the garden, for example. We also use volunteers to work with children and help run our support groups.

For more information on how you can help Acorns visit the website at www.acorns.org.uk or phone 01386 554848.