A mother who lost her seven-year-old daughter has delivered a petition to 10 Downing Street on behalf of the hospice that cared for her.

Liz Bishop, who lives in Worcester, delivered a petition carrying the signatures of 10,941 people supporting a campaign led by Acorns Children's Hospice.

She delivered it at 2pm yesterday (Wednesday, September 4).

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The campaign, launched by the hospice in July, calls on the British Government to secure a vital £2 million funding stream for the charity named the Children’s Hospice Grant.

Ms Bishop was joined by Acorns CEO Trevor Johnson when delivering a box of signatures and a letter to the health secretary, Wes Streeting.

Her daughter Lily-Mai was supported by Acorns for the Three Counties, the charity’s hospice in Worcester.

She bravely fought a brain tumor and was under the hospice's care until she died on June 25, 2018.

Demand for Acorns' services, like those given to Lily-Mai’s family, has grown by 47 per cent in the past year.

Ms Bishop said: "Acorns is such an amazing place.

"They were there for us and Lily-Mai, catering to our every need.

"They are still helping us now and will do into the future too.

"We’ll forever feel like part of the Acorns family."

Liz added: "More and more families need Acorns for love and care at the most difficult times.

"To think there could be families like ours in the future who’ll miss out on these vital services is just unimaginable."

The future of the £25 million NHS Children’s Hospice Grant, which annually supports children’s hospices across England, hangs in the balance.

It constitutes around 13 per cent of Acorns income, totaling £2 million.

Without the grant, Acorns and other children's hospices nationally may be forced to reduce essential services for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Acorns chief executive Trevor Johnson said: "Today is an important day, because we deliver a powerful message to the Government.

"In just a few short weeks, thousands of people have shown they recognise the importance of the vital care Acorns provides.

"We may have delivered these signatures, but the petition will remain open, so please keep on signing, sharing and writing to your local MP.

"Together we can make a difference for the countless families who rely on children’s palliative care."