One of the country’s best loved literary legends paid a special visit to Acorns Children’s Hospice this week to meet staff and families for a special poetry recital.

Award-winning Birmingham-born writer, poet, actor and musician Benjamin Zephaniah visited Acorns in the Black Country where he met some of the children, young people and families who rely on the hospice’s services.

Benjamin, who stars as Jeremiah Jesus in the BBC series Peaky Blinders, was interviewed by Acorns Ambassador Assya Shabir, before treating his audience at the Walsall-based hospice to a selection of his poetry. Emma Aspinall, Director of Care at Acorns, said:

“It’s been a real highlight of our year to welcome Benjamin to Acorns today. Benjamin is such an inspiration, and for him to spend so much time with us sharing his wonderful stories and poems is a real honour.

“On behalf of everyone at Acorns, we thank Benjamin for taking the time to visit us and for recognising the true value of the care and support our hospice in Walsall provides children and families across the Black Country.”

Since Acorns launched the Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal in July, the Appeal is a quarter of the way to its £2million target having reached the £500,000 mark earlier this month.

To support the Save Acorns Black Country Hospice Appeal, visit acorns.org.uk/appeal.