TV’s Mr Nasty is showing his softer side after backing a national charity appeal which will benefit a Worcester hospice.

X-Factor judge Simon Cowell is backing the Have a Heart appeal, organised by the radio station Heart, which will enable Acorns Children’s Hospice to provide more care to children and families in their homes across the three counties.

Mr Cowell, the patron of Children’s Hospices UK, said: “The Have a Heart appeal is all about raising money to give these families a helping hand at home when they most need it.”

The appeal is aiming to provide 28 children’s hospices – including Acorns for the Three Counties, in Worcester – with a Mini car and enough funding for nursing hours to deliver care and support when and where it is needed most.

The appeal week will run from Monday, February 28, to Friday, March 4, ending with a fund-raising extravaganza featuring a host of celebrities alongside the Heart presenters.

David Strudley, chief executive of Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “Acorns is caring for nearly 600 children who have life limiting or life threatening conditions and 800 families, including those that are bereaved.

“There is no charge to families for using the services but it costs £450 per day for each child’s care.

“Acorns relies on donations for the majority of its income, and we urge people to support this appeal to help care for children and families.”

For more information on the appeal, tune into Heart or visit heart.co.uk/haveaheart