Saddlers star Liam Kinsella has issued a rallying call for more people to jingle all the way for local children and families this Christmas.

In a special video message, the Walsall FC midfielder has urged people to sign up for the free Virtual Santa Dash from Acorns Children’s Hospice, which kicks off this week.

Liam Kinsella said: “The greatest gift you can give this Christmas, is to support families at Acorns. By signing up for Acorns Virtual Santa Dash you’ll not only get the opportunity to have some brilliant festive fun, you’ll also be helping Acorns be there for children and families across Walsall and the wider West Midlands when they need it most.”

Acorns Virtual Santa Dash takes place from 1 to 14 December. The event will see fundraisers choose their own 1, 5 or 12km routes in the location of their choice.

Those who sign up will be supporting Santa and Acorns to deliver the best gift this Christmas, and all year round – the gift of care.

Kirsty Murray, Acorns Events Coordinator, said: “We are so excited for the return of Acorns Virtual Santa Dash and are thrilled that Liam is getting behind this year’s event. Our festive fundraiser is a great way to kickstart Christmas and we’d love as many people as possible to get involved!

“Every penny raised by participants, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference to local children and families. So please join us and help make this Christmas extra special!”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for life limited and life threatened children and support for their families from its three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.

In the past year the charity has cared for more than 700 children and almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

It cost Acorns £27,000 per day to provides its lifeline care and support, the bulk of which comes from fundraising and donations.

Acorns Virtual Santa Dash is free to sign up and participants who raise just £10, will receive a fundraising pack, Santa suit or Christmas sack for children, medal and a certificate from the man himself!

To sign up to Acorns Virtual Santa Dash or for more information, please visit www.acorns.org.uk/santadash21