Leeds Children's Hospital staff 'amazed' by surprise Christmas appeal donation

National retailer The Works has donated more than 1,500 toys and craft sets and hundreds of books.

The donation was made as part of hospitals' charity Leeds Cares Christmas Appeal, which aims to raise cash to buy gifts for patients.

The charity usually runs a series of gift drop off days in December, but the drop off days have been interrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Up to 300 children will be spending Christmas Day at Leeds Children’s Hospital and hundreds more will need to visit for appointments in the run up to Christmas.

Gavin Peck, chief executive of The Works, said “I really hope this goes some way in helping spread a little cheer and joy to those who deserve it most at this extra special time.

“This is the start of a much longer journey as ‘giving something back’ is very much at the heart of our business and our wider strategy and we are currently exploring ways to further extend our support to help more local charities and communities in the future.”

Suzanne Abrahams, general manager of Leeds Children’s Hospital, said: “We’re just amazed by the generosity of this gift.

"Our staff work so hard to make the Christmas period feel as normal as possible, through distraction and play, even though it’s often a time filled with uncertainty for our patients and their families.

"This donation will support our play team to continue their important work, not just over Christmas but in the weeks before and after too. We cannot thank ‘The Works’ enough for their kindness, it really is incredible.”

Leeds Children’s Hospital has created an online Wish List so members of the public can make a real difference to patients and their families at Christmas, by buying a gift without needing to leave the house.