Heart sculptures launched inspired by brave teenager as part of Acorns campaign
Hannah’s Hearts Appeal, named after 17-year-old Hannah Debney, invites supporters to dedicate a bespoke, white-metal heart to remember someone special.
Last updated 16th Jul 2024
‘Hannah knew she was terminally ill and that she was going to die. That is horrible for anyone of any age, especially a teenager.’ Mum Christine Debney tells the heart-breaking story behind a new summer campaign from Acorns Children’s Hospice.
An emotional new summer campaign featuring hundreds of beautiful limited-edition heart sculptures has been launched by Acorns Children’s Hospice – inspired by the life of a remarkable teenage girl who chose to spend her final days there.
Hannah’s Hearts Appeal, named after 17-year-old Hannah Debney, invites supporters to dedicate a bespoke, white-metal heart to remember someone special. The hand-made ornaments will form a Garden of Everlasting Love in a poignant public display this September.
Her family has told the heart-breaking story behind the appeal, revealing how Acorns helped Hannah take control of her fate – and how it all started with a sprained ankle.
“Hannah loved life,” said mum Christine. “She was a happy, normal teenager, but she kept spraining her ankle and doctors didn’t know what was wrong with it. She had to use a wheelchair to get out and about and was starting to get lots of other aches and pains.
At first no-one knew what was happening or why. At first she was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, but Hannah started being sick and was admitted to hospital several times, tests were carried out, and she was discharged. They thought she may have an eating disorder or a mental health condition.
For the next 15 months, Christine said the family went ‘round and round in circles’. Hannah had bladder failure, was getting weaker and thinner, and had to be fed by tube.
When she turned 16 she was moved to an adult ward and was finally diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder.
Christine said: “As a mother I felt anger, to feel like we had wasted so much time. To be disbelieved was the hardest thing really while she was suffering.
“After being in hospital a long time Hannah received specialist treatment and once discharged we then tried to live life as best as we could. We went to Cadbury’s World and did lots of things we had missed out on for so long. Hannah managed to get to college and she wanted to be a nurse, and she even learned to drive in a specially adapted car.”
Sadly Hannah’s condition continued to get worse, and after several bouts of sepsis, chronic pain, another lengthy hospital stay and serious, life threatening medical complications, doctors recommended not to resuscitate if the worst should happen.
That’s when Hannah made a brave and final decision.
“As a parent, it’s devastating knowing that your child is going to die,” Christine said.
“Hannah said she wanted to tell the doctors to stop. No-one should have to make decisions like that. It was Hannah who said she wanted to go to Acorns Children’s Hospice and to be transferred there.”
Hannah spent just 15 days at Acorns before she died and was the ‘bravest person’ her mum has ever known.
“Acorns was amazing,” Christine said. “They allowed us as a family to be together during her final days. Hannah knew her fate and she was able to talk about it and she was very brave. She was totally remarkable, right up until the last moment.”
Acorns filled Hannah’s final days with love and laughter, creating memories they could hold onto forever. The hospice team put on a beach party, organised a visit from Shetland ponies, and even bought a Slush Puppy machine for her room.
Hannah also made precious keepsakes for her family to treasure and remember her, with the teenager deciding to make a special hand-cast in the shape of a heart – a symbol that helped to inspire Acorns summer appeal.
Christine said: “Acorns was there, not just for Hannah, but for us as a whole family. Although we knew what was going to happen, Acorns was such a happy place and allowed us to make so many wonderful memories together.
“There were really a few times when things were quite funny, and when they asked if she wanted to make a hand-cast she said ‘hmmm, that’s a bit morbid really, isn’t it’ – but that’s how she was. She was so strong-minded and witty.”
By making a suggested donation of £30, supporters can now dedicate their own metal heart sculpture to someone special and help children and families like Hannah’s facing the unimaginable.
Every heart dedicated will then be displayed in a Garden of Everlasting Love along with personal messages in a beautiful installation at Arley Arboretum on Saturday, 14 September before being carefully packaged for supporters to take home.
Christina White, Head of Public Fundraising at Acorns, said: “A white heart is an ongoing symbol of everlasting love. Not only will each dedication pay tribute to someone special who is remembered and missed, they will enable us to continue our vital love and care for families during the darkest of times.
“The demand for end of life care at Acorns has increased by 47 per cent in the past year. Help can’t wait for families who desperately need us. Your dedications will help ensure no family caring for a life limited or life threatened child ever faces their unimaginable journey alone.”
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support for their families.
In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 750 children across the West Midlands, and supported almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.
Acorns needs around £30,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.
Help can’t wait. Donate and dedicate your heart today by visiting www.acorns.org.uk/heartsappeal