A CHARITY that provides specialist palliative care for life limited children has said thank you to local people for helping raise £5 million in vital funds over 20 years.

Acorns Children’s Hospice, which has its headquarters in Wythall, has received around £1.6 million from the TLC Lottery.

The organisation was set up jointly by the charity, as well as Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, and Focus Birmingham, in 1997.

The £5 million has been equally divided between Acorns, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, and Focus Birmingham.

Lynne Carter, head of fundraising at Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “On behalf of the children and families we support and everyone at Acorns I want to say a huge thank you to the loyal players who have contributed to the lottery over the past 20 years.

"We rely on fundraising for the £10 million it costs to provide our services every year - so your generosity means we can continue our vital work.”

Players pay £1 per weekly draw and the money raised after running costs and prizes is split between the three charities.

Currently more than 13,000 players play the lottery across the West Midlands, competing for prizes ranging from £5 to £1,000.

For more information or to sign up to the lottery, visit tlclottery.co.uk.