An emotional artwork made entirely using the handprints of children who are dying or seriously ill has been unveiled – sending a powerful message to the Prime Minister.
The striking portrait of Sir Keir has been made using hundreds of orange handprints of children cared for by Acorns Children’s Hospice. Behind it is an urgent call to save vital funding that is under threat for hospices across England.
The evocative artwork titled ‘Hands for Hope’ was revealed outside the Houses of Parliament to mark the launch of a hard-hitting campaign calling on the Government to guarantee long-term funding for children’s hospices.
Without it, Acorns fears it may be forced to turn away a seriously ill child for the first time in its 37-year history.
Trevor Johnson, Chief Executive at Acorns, said: “We’re at a turning point in children’s hospice care. There is genuine concern we may have to make heartbreaking decisions, which is why we’ve taken this emotional step. We need the Government to act now so children and families don’t worry that the care they deserve is going to be lost.
“The children and families are at the heart of everything we do and we’re making this plea on their behalf. We want Sir Keir to understand the serious impact if the Government doesn’t take action now.”
The artwork was on prominent display at iconic locations around Central London including outside Big Ben and the House of Commons, to take the message directly to the Prime Minister himself.
More than £26 million was received by children’s hospices in England from the Children’s Hospice Grant, with £2.2 million being given to Acorns, but it runs out in eight months time with no indication it will continue beyond March 2026.
This image of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been created entirely using the handprints of dying or seriously ill children cared for by Acorns Children's Hospice.Trevor said: “This is a truly emotional artwork and has been created with the help of children across the region who have life limiting or life threatening conditions. The children create meaningful handprints in our hospices every day, as part of important art therapies and rehabilitative respite.
“The handprints are not just a way of creating memories but also an invaluable way of connecting with the child and their families and these handprints represent the hundreds of children we care for every year.”
Trevor added: “Without this money, we risk having to make heartbreaking decisions. Our message is that the future of hospice care is in the hands of the Prime Minister, who has the power to ensure that all children’s hospices, including Acorns, receive long-term sustainable funding.”
“I have personally invited Sir Keir to meet with me, or to visit one of our hospices and to see for himself the vital care we provide to children and families facing the darkest time of their lives. I am still awaiting his response.
“One thing is certain. Without this funding we will have to cut services. Our message to the Prime Minister and the Government is simple. It’s now in your hands.”
The Government has previously shared £100m capital funding between adult and children’s hospices – but this cannot be used to pay for a single nurse or provide a single minute of care.
The charity is calling on the public to support the campaign, by raising their hand and sharing Acorns plea on social media. They can also sign their name for a free window sticker to display.
Trevor said: “Help us show the Prime Minister and the Government how vital and how urgent this situation now is. By joining our fight you’ll be helping to save the future of children’s hospice care, and we’ll never have to turn a child away when they need us the most.”
To raise your hand and support the campaign visit savethegrant.com
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support for their families.
In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.
This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.
Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.
