A KINGSWINFORD mum is urging people to raise funds for the hospice that cared for her baby daughter.

Isla Groom died from the rare genetic condition, Edward's syndrome, in December 2012, aged one.

She received care at Acorns Children's Hospice in Walsall and now her mum, Claire Groom, is appealing for people to join the hospice's fundraising group, which meets regularly to plan events to generate extra income.

Mrs Groom said: “Four days after Isla’s birth we were given the devastating news that she would not live long and her quality of life in that time would be very poor.

"I have felt totally supported from the day we all went on a family visit to the hospice after my daughter was born up until now 17, months after she passed away."

She continued: "As a family supported by Acorns, our eyes have been opened to the wonderful work they do. I have recently joined the group in the hope to be able to make a difference and help raise those invaluable funds for the hospice.”

She added: “I feel people should support Acorns because the work this charity does is amazing. It offers a whole package of support to families with children who have life limiting and life threatening illnesses.

"It includes the hospice and nursing team, physiotherapists, community support workers and sibling support workers. It is a package of care that is received not just by the child but the whole family.”

Community fundraising manager for the Black Country, Sally Insley, said: “We are hoping lots of people will come along and join the fundraisers support group. We are really friendly and aim to have some fun as well as raise money to help Acorns.

"We want it to be a great success and we ask local businesses to help us along the way. Just by offering services, venues, donations for our charity events will make a massive difference.”

The group will be having its inaugural meeting tonight (Tuesday June 3) at 6pm at the hospice on Walstead Road, Walsall.

For more information, email sally.insley@acorns.org.uk or call 07972 774228.