Villa stars are winners with Acorns youngsters (From Worcester News)

Villa stars are winners with Acorns youngsters

11:00am Thursday 20th January 2011 in Local By Elizabeth Sweetman, @lizsweetmanWN #worcsnews

ASTON Villa football players delighted a group of children when they visited a Worcester hospice.

Players from the first team visited Acorns Children’s Hospice in Bath Road yesterday to show their support.

Defender James Collins, striker John Carew and mid-fielders Ashley Young, Stewart Downing and Nigel Reo-Coker chatted to children and staff and brought presents for the youngsters.

The club is giving vital support to the hospice and the visit was the first opportunity they had to see children in the new year, after being forced to cancel a Christmas visit because of the snow.

Head nurse Sue Curry said: “It was so wonderful to have the Villa players visit. Everyone was really excited to see them.

"It was an unforgettable day.”

Acorns is currently caring for nearly 600 children who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and 800 families, including those that are bereaved.

Aston Villa announced its partnership with Acorns in 2006, initially providing a financial donation to cover the urgent costs of 77 days hospice care to keep beds open at the Selly Oak hospice.

The club was also the first Premier League club to forego a main shirt sponsor fee and place a charity name on its shirts for free.

There is no charge to families for using the services provided by the hospice but it does cost £450 per day for each child’s care.

Acorns continues to rely on donations for the majority of its income.

To find out more about the work of Acorns Children’s Hospice and how you can help raise vital funds call 0845 120 6892 or visit acorns.org.uk