Leeds dad thanks NHS for saving baby daughter with 2,000 Easter eggs

A Leeds dad has donated almost 2,000 Easter eggs to Leeds hospitals to thank the NHS for saving his baby daughter's life.

Rob Holt, 31, from Gipton, put an appeal out for chocolate egg donations after sharing his daughter Maddison's battle with a rare form of cancer.

Little Maddison had life-saving surgery when she was just six months old, after being diagnosed with a Myofibroblastic Tumour.

Following the family's ordeal, Rob, and wife Natasha, 30, wanted to give something back to Leeds Children's Hospital.

Rob, a key cutter at Timpson, decided to launch an appeal asking people to donate Easter eggs to the poorly children currently in the hospital.

Rob said that he initially aimed for a target of 500 eggs - but it wasn't long until the kind-hearted people of Leeds smashed his goal.

He said: "When I set this up with a target of 500 I thought that was a lot, but we've ended up with a crazy amount more than that.

"In total, we've collected almost 1,925 eggs.

"I didn't expect such an amazing response."

Rob had originally planned to dress up as the Easter bunny to deliver the eggs but the coronavirus outbreak put an abrupt end to his plans.

It also meant he was unable to donate to some of the charities he wanted to support as they were not able to accept donations.

However, despite the "disappointing ending" he is staying positive and is grateful to all the people who donated.

Rob said: "Not gonna lie, I was disappointed with this ending but we have to consider everyone's safety.

"It isn't the greatest way of finishing this appeal but we are making the best out of it.

"By completely smashing the original target we have been able to donate eggs to Leeds Children's Hospital as well as other organisations.

He added: "I have taken a few trips back and forth in my tiny Fiesta and dropped off around 900 eggs to the Leeds Children's Ward.

"Obviously, I couldn't give the children's ward all of the eggs as they would be swimming in chocolate all summer.

"So I have donated some of the eggs to a few schools that are open looking after key workers' children and vulnerable children.

"I gave eggs to the children to say thank you for lending the country your parents when we need them most

"And I didn't forget the teachers who we wanted to thank for looking after the children.

"I also gave some eggs to the local care homes for the elderly.

"I hope it puts a smile on their faces in this strange time we are living in.

"There are around 500 left and I plan to give them to the LGI staff.

"I think the amazing doctors and nurses deserve a treat now more than ever."

Rob also shared his thanks for the "fantastic" response he received from people across Leeds.

He said: "I cannot thank everyone that donated or got involved enough.

"Everyone who helped out in the appeal and observed all the health and safety rules was key in us delivering so many eggs.

"I didn't have a choice but to end the appeal this way but what a fantastic response and truly unimaginable total.

"From the bottom of my heart - thank you all.

"Stay safe everyone. Stay home. Take care."