Number 10 visit for Leamington man who founded fundraising group for Acorns Children's Hospice

Martin Banbury is founder of the Acorns Coventry Fundraising Group, a group of dedicated supporters who have been raising vital funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice in Birmingham for over 25 years.

The visit to No 10 last Tuesday (March 29) accompanied by Acorns Chief Executive, Toby Porter and fellow group member Nick Newbold, was organised as part of the Prime Minister’s recognition of West Midlands Civil Society.

Mr Banbury, said: “It was a huge honour to attend this reception on the back of our longstanding fundraising efforts which have directly benefited the children and their families in Coventry and the surrounding areas.

“Acorns offers such a vital service to help these families cope with the challenges they face every day, so we’re incredibly proud to share what we do in such a high profile setting.”

Since 1990, the fundraising group has raised in excess of £800,000 towards the Acorns work caring for life limited and life threatened children and their families across the Midlands.

Commenting on the visit, Acorns chief executive, Toby Porter, said: “Martin and the fundraising group have worked tirelessly for many years to raise a significant amount for Acorns and the work we do.

“The importance of his work, not only in monetary terms, but also in awareness raising, cannot be understated, and it is individuals like Martin we rely on to help continue our vital work.

“Being at Number 10 on the very day that Brexit was officially started and commemorations were taking place only a few hundred metres away on Westminster Bridge, was a reminder that, at a time of uncertainty and division, it is people like Martin who represent the tremendous goodness and spirit that binds communities together.”

In the past year Acorns has provided care to more than 860 children and more than 1,080 families, including those who are bereaved.

It costs Acorns £9.6 million a year to run its services providing care children and support for their families.

Acorns relies heavily on the community to fund the majority of its activities.

For more information about Acorns and to donate, visit www.acorns.org.uk