THE new chief executive of Worcester Warriors said he was “blown away” by the work of a city children’s hospice.

Jim O’Toole visited Acorns Children’s Hospice in Bath Road – a long-standing charity partner of the rugby club – recently to learn about its work.

He was given a tour by the hospice’s chief executive David Strudley and head of care services Susan Hayward and after his visit Mr O’Toole, who took on his role in February, described the hospice as "a place of pure joy, happiness and love”.

Mr Strudley said: “We have a long and happy history with Worcester Warriors.

“We were delighted to be able to show Jim our work first hand and look forward to continuing to working with him and the club in the future as we push forward our ambitious plans to provide care and support for more children and families than ever before.”

The club’s most recent fundraising match day on Saturday, February 14 raised more than £7,000 for the hospice.