Acorns youngsters enjoy Edgbaston cricket experience

A group of children who receive support from Acorns Children’s Hospice were treated to an Edgbaston cricket experience and stadium tour.

The seven youngsters – who access the Sibling Support service at Acorns – took part in the fun session under the expert eye of Warwickshire Cricket Board coaches.

The group, including Acorns Sibling Workers Jen Bridle and Sarah Childs, then got a chance to peer behind the scenes at Edgbaston, including the players’ dressing rooms and gym, and take some pitch-side selfies.

Acorns Sibling Worker Sarah Childs thanked Edgbaston for the experience.

She said: “It can be challenging for the parents of children with complex needs to dedicate time to take siblings out for day trips. This is something that can be especially difficult during school holidays.

“Part of our work at Acorns and the Sibling Service is to help by treating the children, giving them something to look forward to, new experiences, and to relieve some of the pressure on parents.

“We’re so thrilled with how it’s gone at Edgbaston. The children have been really excited at the prospect of coming to the stadium to play some cricket. It’s been such a memorable afternoon for them.”

The dedicated Sibling Service at Acorns currently supports around 200 brothers and sisters of life limited or life threatened children. The service provides children with focused groups, individual therapeutic sessions and bespoke support programmes.

Warwickshire Cricket Board’s Cricket Development Officer Rob Eynon ran the 5 April session.

He said: “It’s been our pleasure to show the children around and lay on a coaching session. There was lots of energy, they really got involved, and some decent batting and fielding on show!

“These children have gone through a lot at a young age. I’m delighted they’ve had a good time and put a smile on their faces. They’re welcome at Edgbaston any time.”