In November 2000, Acorn's new hospice in Worcester moved a step closer towards becoming reality when detailed planning permission was granted on a three-acre site in Bath Road, just a couple of miles out of the city centre.

The site, which was a home for donkeys, Dotty and Sally, was donated by Mrs June Sayce and her late husband Willie. The donation is worth £1.4 million to Acorns and the donkeys will be allocated pasture and stabling as part of the new development.

Fundraising is now underway to raise the £4 million necessary to build and equip the hospice which is due to open its doors to families in 2004.

The new hospice will have 10 bedrooms, a dedicated adolescent unit, facilities for younger children and a base for community staff working in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

Other facilities planned for the new unit include a terminal care suite, a hydrotherapy pool, a multi-sensory room and an acre of landscaped gardens.

Fundraising staff, based in Worcester, are also raising the extra £1 million revenue income it will cost to operate the new hospice.

A Worcester-based community team worker is already offering support at home to families in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and North Gloucestershire, but these families are having to travel to Birmingham or Walsall for hospice care.

To help with the Three Counties Appeal, please contact Fran Winterbourn or Mike Cartledge on 01905 767676