THE difference made to the lives of parents whose children are cared for by Acorns Children's Hospice was explained to the Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire during a visit.

Lt Col Patrick Holcroft, LVO OBE, visited Acorns for the Three Counties on Bath Road, Worcester, to learn about the services the children’s hospice offers to life limited children and their families.

He was given a tour of the facilities by the charity's chairman David Butcher and head nurse Debra Clark.

He also met with staff, volunteers and parents to hear first-hand about the work of Acorns and the difference it makes to their lives.

Mr Butcher said: “We very much welcomed the opportunity to show the Lord-Lieutenant around the hospice and explain our plans for the future.”

He explained the charity’s current five year strategy for growth which will see a 50 per cent increase in the number of children using Acorns by 2018.

It will mean an overall increase in annual care costs of around £4.2m by the end of the period.

Lt Col Holcroft said: “The hospice team at Acorns are inspirational and work tirelessly to provide children and parents with a high standard of care.

"It was humbling to meet some of the families who use the service and I can fully appreciate just how crucial the work of the hospice is to those in need of its services."

For more information about the charity log on to www.acorns.org.uk.