ONE year after 150 balloons were sent with a little prayer sailing over Hereford's High Town dreams of millions of pounds for the county's seriously ill children are coming true, writes ANITA HOWELLS.

The Acorns Three Counties Appeal to fund a new hospice has soared to £2.538 million in just 12 months.

After a flying start in the city supporters in Herefordshire alone have collected £173,885.

Mary's success

Fundraiser Mary Schiavon has raised nearly £5,000 of that with the sale of her two quiz books, Bat for Acorns.

The Trinity Primary School teacher also helped found a special Acorn Day for schools. More than £10,000 has been raised by students across the county, touched by the lives of youngsters less fortunate.

Mary is one of many in Hereford to dedicate fundraising to Acorns and the 150 life-limited children in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire looking forward to getting care closer to home.

"I think the appeal has just snowballed. As people get to hear about it more and more are getting involved. Everybody really likes the charity and want to do something to help. It's been such a success."

She added: "The Acorn Day went really well and those who didn't fundraise on February 14 have done things since. I want to thank everybody who helped, including Trinity."

Acorn's chief executive John Overton said to raise more than £2.5million in only 12 months is 'tremendous'.

"We are now well over halfway towards our target for £4 million for building the new hospice at Worcester. On behalf of Acorns families, I would like to say a huge thank you for your generous support."

He added: "But if we are going to be open for care provision by the end of 2004, something we are determined to do, then we need a big push over the coming few months. So please continue with your fantastic fundraising and donations so we can get builders on site in the summer and make the new hospice happen."

The new 10-bed building will include a hydrotherapy pool, multi-sensory room, dedicated adolescent's wing and an acre of gardens. It will also be a point for home-based community support for families with a life-limited child.