Warriors flanker Jake Abbott has been announced as Acorns Children’s Hospice’s new player ambassador.
The 25-year-old Worcester-based player has been involved with the club for nearly 20 years and is in his sixth season in the back-row, but is now embarking on another venture outside of his sporting role.
Jake was delighted to accept the role of ambassador for Acorns, which helps life-limited and life-threatened children and their families across the Three Counties, and has also supported his own family.
Twenty-two years ago, Jake’s older sister Rebecca came to the Selly Oak hospice in Birmingham due to a brain tumour, which she passed away from aged seven.
As well as the specialist care provided for Rebecca, he and his family received specialist bereavement support from Acorns, including family fun weekends away, for several years afterwards.
Abbott said: “Acorns offered fantastic support for us as a family and I have had a real affiliation with the charity ever since.
“I only have happy memories of Acorns, which ensures support is always there for families who need it.
“I’m eager to help out in any way I can. I’m looking forward to visiting the children at the hospice more, taking the other players along and interacting with the staff.”
Already having visited the hospice a few times, Jake is aware of how the children benefit from spending time there.
He commented: “The facilities are great. It’s a fantastic, happy, colourful place. Everyone’s having fun and there is a wonderful atmosphere. It’s nothing like you’d expect.”
The player will undertake a range of duties as player ambassador, from raising awareness to supporting fundraising initiatives, such as the recent charity matchday held on December 28, 2013 against Saracens.
He added: “The charity match day shirt is one of the best designed yet. It was a fantastic charity matchday and it had a great atmosphere being just after Christmas.
“But most importantly, for one match of the year, it was not just about watching the rugby, but supporting a local cause and sparing a thought and a pound for Acorns children and families.”
Elinor Eustace, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Acorns, said: “We are thrilled to have Jake’s support as our new player ambassador.
“He has already demonstrated a huge deal of commitment, energy and understanding of our work and we look forward to working with him in the coming months.”