Benjamin Zephaniah remembered by charity he was patron of

West Midlands-based children's hospice charity Acorns has remembered the joy Mr Zephaniah, who passed away yesterday (December 7) after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, brought to children and families throughout his years of involvement.

In his life, he distinguished himself as a poet, writer, musician and activist.

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His visits to the charity's hospice, filled with smiles and laughter, are fondly remembered by many.

Acorns, which has a charity shop in Worcester, has highlighted Mr Zephaniah's deep connection with the charity's ethos, which is centered around creating lasting memories for families during uncertain times.

The poet accepted an invitation to become a Patron in 2021, and in 2022 he participated in a Peaky Blinders themed charity event with fellow patron Steven Knight.

In his own words, Mr Zephaniah said of Acorns: "I am so inspired by the kids, and I also have an enormous amount of respect for the people who work there. I want to hug and kiss them, I want to tell them how much I love them, but I just shake their hands and act normal.

"Not only do they care for these kids, some of whom are not expected to reach adulthood; they also look after their mums, dads, brothers and sisters, even grandparents.

"The existence of children’s hospices is something many of us feel uncomfortable with – most people tend to associate hospices with older people. I was one of them, until I first visited.

“Those working and volunteering there do everything they can to make special memories for the children and their families. I have rarely been to a place where love, happiness and joy were so abundant. I have never felt a hint of doom or gloom.”