A Stourbridge teenager who knew she was going to die's heartbreaking story has inspired Acorns Children's Hospice's summer campaign.
The campaign, known as Hannah’s Hearts Appeal, has been sparked by the courageous tale of 17-year-old Hannah Debney.
The summer campaign involves producing limited-edition heart keepsakes for the public to dedicate to their loved ones, forming a 'Garden of Everlasting Love' in September.
Christine Debney, Hannah's mum, shared Hannah's challenging journey.
She said: "Hannah loved life.
"She was a happy, normal teenager, but she kept spraining her ankle and doctors didn’t know what was wrong."
This started a perplexing journey involving multiple diagnoses and hospital admissions.
Finally, Hannah was diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder.
She continued to worsen until finally she took the heartbreaking decision to request the doctors to stop and instead transferred to Acorns Children's Hospice.
Ms Debney said: "Hannah said she wanted to tell the doctors to stop.
"No-one should have to make decisions like that."
Hannah's stay at Acorns, lasting only 15 days, left a lasting impact.
During her time there, Hannah created various keepsakes, including a hand-cast in the shape of a heart.
This keepsake has become a symbol for the summer campaign.
Ms Debney recalls: "Acorns was there, not just for Hannah, but for us as a whole family.
"Acorns was such a happy place and allowed us to make so many wonderful memories together."
Christina White, head of public fundraising at Acorns, said: "A white heart is an ongoing symbol of everlasting love.
"Your dedications will help ensure no family caring for a life limited or life threatened child ever faces their unimaginable journey alone."
Acorns, providing palliative care for children, cared for more than 750 children across the West Midlands in the past year.
However, they need approximately £30,000 a day to continue providing this care.
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