Hi!

This holiday season, countless children will spend Christmas in hospital wards, away from the warmth and magic of home, which can be a scary and traumatic experience. For these young patients, the joy of receiving a toy can provide more than just a fleeting moment of happiness—it can spark hope, reduce stress, and play a vital role in their emotional recovery.

Instead of asking you to physically donate toys (which is something that carries various logistical complications, not least carrying them all on the train...!), I'm kindly putting out a plea for financial donations, with which I will buy as many toys as possible and take them to the children's ward at my local hospital - something I used to do every year in my previous job, so I know firsthand how much it means to them and the children being treated there.

I appreciate money can be tight this time of year, but any donation will really help build the budget and bring a smile to a child's face, helping make their hospital stay just that little bit brighter, so please donate whatever you can.

Thank you, and I wish you a safe and enjoyable festive period.