31 West Midlands fundraisers, including broadcaster Phil Oldershaw, trekked a remote section of the Great Wall of China to raise over £150,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice. The charity provides vital palliative care across the region but is currently facing a funding deficit. This report hears from those who took part and explores why their support is more crucial than ever.
00:00The trek covered miles of harsh terrain, steep stone stairs, walled mountains and remote passes.
00:07For those hiking part it wasn't just a personal challenge, it was a way to help Icon Children's Hospice keep supporting families across the region.
00:16The charity is facing a funding shortfall and this effort helped raise over £150,000.
00:23One of the walkers was Birmingham broadcaster Phil Aldershaw.
00:27He stepped in to replace a friend who couldn't make it and covered the cost himself so that every penny raised would go to Icon's.
00:36Do you know I was helping a friend Rachel take on this challenge because there was no space for me to get involved.
00:43Unfortunately Rachel was unable to take part and because I'd been helping her fundraise I thought do you know what I'm just going to go for it.
00:50It's exciting, it's an opportunity, it's the other side of the world.
00:54You're challenging yourself but you're supporting and helping a hospice here in the West Midlands.
01:01Phil wasn't alone. The group of 31 included business owners, parents and staff united by one cause.
01:08The route they walked took five days stretching from Gubaiko to Sumaitae.
01:13It's a lesser trodden section of the wall known for steep climbs and sparse surroundings.
01:18Many of them trained for months to get ready and for some it was their first time outside Europe.
01:23The walk built bonds between strangers all doing something difficult for a reason that matters.
01:29We've had an incredible five days trekking. We've raised a huge amount of money for Acorns and that money will continue to help all the children and all the families that use our services and the three hospices.
01:43I'm Ben's dad, currently feeling on top of the world, literally on top of the world. Sponsored trek across the Great Wall of China for Acorns.
01:50An amazing charity that's supported us for so many years now since Ben passed away in 2016 and before.
01:58Couldn't think of a world without Acorns. We need every penny we can to support them ongoing.
02:04While fundarising challenges like this one can grab headlines, the long term impact is harder to measure.
02:10Acorns support children with life limiting conditions and demand for their services continues to grow.
02:16But the hospice needs £13 million a year to keep going.
02:20With local budgets stretched, it's falling on ordinary people to fill the gap.
02:24That's what makes this kind of support vital.
02:27The local community responded to the campaign brilliantly. The support that I had on social media, the sponsorship from some of the companies in the city and then sponsorship from general people that I know as being phenomenal.
02:41Raising thousands of pounds just for my part alone.
02:45All of this adding up to the pot so far of over £153,000 and it's still climbing what we've raised for Acorns Children's Hospice.
02:54And they also get to see an opportunity that they might not be able to do themselves, but they can share that with you.
