JUNE Sayce, the woman whose generosity led to the foundation of Acorns Children’s Hospice in Worcester, has died aged 93

Mrs Sayce and her late husband Willie, an insurance broker, donated paddocks they used for keeping donkeys behind their home in Bath Road to the charity, so that it could set up in Worcester in 2005.

Acorns chief executive Toby Porter said: “June will be much missed by everyone at Acorns. There would be no Acorns Children’s Hospice as we know it today in Worcester without the great generosity of June and Willie.

“June took indescribable pride and pleasure every day from Acorns. She loved her trips to the hospice or even, as she put it, looking out on Acorns from her bedroom window, and knowing that the lights were always on.  In June, we all had the privilege to know someone of utter goodness, but also someone who truly epitomised what it means for someone to experience the joy of giving.”

Former family solicitor David Hallmark explained: “I mentioned Acorns’ search to my law firm clients Willie and June Sayce and they responded positively. They were prepared to dedicate the back land they used for their donkeys for this charity. Cecil Duckworth agreed to buy the frontage land and the complete patch was assembled so the Acorns Children’s Hospice could be built.

“The outcome gave them both enormous pleasure and their relationship with Acorns has rewarded them with so much joy and contentment that the value of the gift of their back-land as commercial building plots has never been regretted. The donkeys which June saved and nurtured were a feature of her life and one which was respected by Acorns until the last one, Dotty died.”  

Susan Hayward, head of care at Acorns Three Counties Hospice, added: “Since the Hospice opened 13 years ago June had been a frequent visitor, taking part in many of our celebrations and events. She was fiercely independent and very quick witted, recalling many stories of her life with her husband Willie and her beloved donkeys with great affection. 

“Her birthday each year, in June, was something we all celebrated with her and, as she became more frail, we had the privilege of supporting her a little by taking her lunch round to her each day. She was always interested to hear the latest news from the Hospice and up until the week before she died was able to have a laugh and joke with a staff member.

“ Staff and volunteers, past and present, have many wonderful memories of June and we will never forget the love and generosity which has enabled us to support so many children and families over the years. June will be missed greatly by all our staff and volunteers.”

A thanksgiving service for the life of June Sayce will be held at Whittington village church, Worcester, on Wednesday, November 8 at 2pm following a private cremation.