Statue makes sure Olympic Games fever keeps going (From Worcester News)

Statue makes sure Olympic Games fever keeps going

11:40am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News By Elizabeth Sweetman, @lizsweetmanWN #worcsnews

THE excitement of London 2012 continues to thrive in a quiet corner of a Worcester hospice.

An iconic Olympic statue was unveiled in the grounds of Acorns Children’s Hospice yesterday thanks to the generosity of an anonymous local businessman.

The two-metre-high statue of Olympic mascot Wenlock dressed as the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes is one of 84 created for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

After the closing ceremony it was bought by a Malvern businessman who decided to house it for 12 months at the Bath Road hospice.

He bought the statue to support good causes and arranged to have it transported from its site in Regents Park to Acorns.

It will remain at the hospice for a year where it can be viewed by visitors and help with fund-raising and special occasions.

The statue was unveiled yesterday by Worcester Warriors’ Acorns’ Ambassador Shaun Perry.

Acorns’ head nurse Sue Curry said: “Our children are excited to have a piece of the Olympics here at Acorns for the Three Counties. They were so encouraged by the achievements of the Paralympic athletes, and Sherlock will remind them every day of what they can do.”

Acorns offers a network of care for life-limited and life-threatened children and young people, and their families. These children and young people require specialist care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Acorns is supporting more than 640 children and more than 910 families, including those who are bereaved.

The cost of care is £750 a day for every child and the hospice relies on the community to help fund most of its activities.

For more information about the work of Acorns Children's Hospice or how to raise vital funds call 0845 120 6892 or visit acorns.org.uk