A BRAVE boy with a life-limiting condition and his family have been chosen as the “face of fund-raising” for Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Jack Dyer developed a severe form of Cerebral Palsy after sustaining a birthing injury which means he will never walk or talk and requires round-the-clock care.
The nine-year-old’s mother and father, Sharon and Dale, recently shared their story in the Worcester-based charity’s newsletter, Christmas appeal and fund-raising poster in the hope it will help others understand what a vital lifeline Acorns is and how much it needs the support of the community.
Sharon, who lives with her family in Claines, said: “Without Acorns, we would have to deliver all of Jack’s care ourselves.
“His short breaks at the hospice give him so much enjoyment, and it gives us a bit of respite and means we can spend time with our other children, Harry and Charlie.”
Acorns has services in place for the whole family, including a team of community workers and support groups. The grandparents’ support group has also helped Jack’s grandparents, Graham and Maureen.
Graham added: “The support we get from Acorns is tremendous.
“It helps us get over what we go through. At the group you can talk to other grandparents in the same position as yourselves. It’s a great help, to talk things over.”
Acorns provides short care palliative breaks for over 180 children across the Three Counties and supports over 230 families, including those who are bereaved. It costs the charity over £2.5 million pounds a year to provide services at its Worcester hospice.
Dawn Pawlett, head of regional fund-raising at Acorns, said: “We are so grateful to the Dyers for sharing their story. We rely on fund-raising for the majority of our income to run our vital services, so we hope people will spare a thought and a pound or two for a local child this Christmas, it can make a huge difference.”
To read more of Jack’s story and find out how to help, visit www.acorns.org.uk; or text 70070 with the message XMAS13 £5 or any other donation amount.
