AN inspirational Hereford family have taken part in a special event for BBC Children in Need.

The Penn family, who are supported by Acorns Children’s Hospice in Worcester, joined hundreds of fundraisers for the Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need last Sunday (October 15).

The 2.7-mile walk on the outskirts of Bristol was led by Countryfile presenter Adam Henson and will be aired on Countryfile on October 29.

Dad Jody, 37, who was joined by his wife Dee and their four children, said: “We love spending time in the outdoors as a family so this was the perfect event for us. We all had a lot of fun and it was wonderful to meet so many other Ramblers. Everyone was really friendly and it there was a real buzz which helped spur us along.”

The Penns’ twin boys Toby and Corey, aged 14, and sibling Izzy, nine, have Batten Disease, a rare incurable genetic condition which effects mobility, speech and feeding skills.

Acorns supports the whole family by providing short breaks, psychosocial support through the Acorns Family Team and sibling support for the Penns’ daughter Amber.

Lynne Carter, head of fundraising at Acorns, said: “We are so proud of the Penn family for taking part in such a momentous event and for bravely sharing their story. The family are an inspiration to us all and we are thrilled they had such a fun and enjoyable day in Bristol for the Ramble.

“Our thanks also to BBC Children in Need whose support for our work is so important in helping us care for more families just like the Penns.”

Thanks to a grant of £103,020 from BBC Children in Need, Acorns is running a three-year programme called Letting Go and Moving Forward.

Footage from the day, including an interview with the family, will be featured in a special extended programme of Countryfile, The Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need on BBC One on Sunday, October 29.

To find out more about the Penn family and to donate, visit acorns.org.uk/pennfamily