Sandwell Council has nominated a local children’s charity to receive this year’s donation from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM). The scheme donates to charities that focus on bereavement related services or provide support to bereaved families. Every year the ICCM, distribute funds that have been generated from recycling metals recovered following cremations.

Councillor Wasim Ali, cabinet member responsible for bereavement services, said: “We are very proud to be part of the ICCM’s charity scheme. Acorns Children’s Hospice, like all charities, has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The donation will go a long way to help Acorns support the children and families of Sandwell and the wider Black Country during what continue to be very difficult times. I would ask all Sandwell residents and businesses to continue to support local charities, including Acorns Children’s Hospice."

Deputy Leader, Councillor Maria Crompton, added: "It's great that we can help a worthy cause and continue to support children across the Black Country who are coping with a bereavement." Claire Snape, Area Fundraiser for Acorns, said: “We’re thrilled to have been nominated to receive this incredible donation. The children and families who use Acorns need us as much as ever during this time of uncertainty as we continue to provide our vital children’s hospice care and lifeline support.

“This very generous donation will help us be there for families who rely on our support, including those who are bereaved. On behalf of everyone at Acorns, we could not be more grateful – thank you.”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions across Sandwell and the wider West Midlands, as well as support for their families. Over the past year Acorns has supported around 200 children and their families from its Black Country hospice, including those who are bereaved.

Acorns has been at the forefront in the battle against coronavirus, supporting some of the most vulnerable families in the community as well as the emergency response of the NHS and social care system. It costs £27,000 every day to run Acorns services providing care for children and support for their families.

The charity relies heavily on donations to fund the majority of its activities.