A CUP of coffee and a butterfly cake could make all the difference to a county children's charity this month.

Supporters of Acorns Children's Hospice are asked to break for tea and raise money for a £4million new hospice for life-limited children in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, during a national tea break on Thursday, September 26.

"The idea is to charge a set amount, say £1, for friends or work colleagues to enjoy a cup of tea and a cake. You could have a tea break at work, at home, at school and make a world of difference to the children, parents and siblings we support," said Acorns community fundraising co-ordinator, Fran Winterbourn.

Respite care

The national tea break has been organised by the Association of Children's Hospices who hope fundraisers will bake butterfly cakes to eat with their tea. The butterfly symbolises the 25 children's hospices in Britain.

Fran added: "Across the three counties there are already 200 families caring for children who will die before adulthood. Acorns and other children's hospices help the whole family by providing care and services under one roof, from diagnosis onwards, including specialist respite and palliative care, advice and information and terminal care and bereavement support for as long as it is needed."

l If you would like to organise a tea break to support the Acorns Three Counties Appeal, call Fran Winterbourn on 01905 767676.