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Hundreds of local children and families in need will be delivered smiles across the miles again this year, thanks to the hospital-based Christmas Giving Tree initiative. 

The appeal, part of North West Anglia Hospitals' Charity, began over a decade ago - and has grown into a hugely popular and well supported good cause from relatively humble beginnings.

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust Site Senior Manager Natalie Styles-Hudson launched The Christmas Giving Tree in 2015, on the back of a chance meeting with a community colleague working with vulnerable families. 

The appeal started at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon in 2015, with 50 presents being donated and delivered to families, children and young people who are less advantaged.

Over the years, it has snowballed and attracted huge support from Trust staff, patients, members of the public, community groups and local businesses. 

Natalie estimates that over the past 10 years, around 10,000 presents will have been delivered to children and families and helped to make their Christmas a little happier. 

Supporters will be invited to select a tag from one of the Christmas Trees when they arrive in November at the three main hospitals - or scan a QR code to select a gift from an Amazon wish list.

And to coincide with the launch, Natalie and fellow appeal organiser, Deputy Service Manager, Sharron Carey - are staging their own awareness raising stunt. 

The pair will be braving the falling night time temperatures to stage a sleep out in front of Peterborough City Hospital on November 12.

As well as harbouring a few creature comforts in their tent, the duo will be accepting any sponsorship donations (no physical gifts please) which will be used to boost the number of gifts purchased this year.

The tent will also feature the QR codes to enable well wishers to donate via the Amazon wish list or pledge monetary donations. 

Natalie said: “The appeal has grown from very humble beginnings into a much anticipated event.  This year the need is greater than ever because times are incredibly hard for some. We wanted to add a little extra excitement to the appeal this year and will be sleeping under the stars to help boost awareness and funds.”

She added: “During December, team will deliver gifts to less advantaged children and young people in schools, hostels, and domestic abuse refuges across Peterborough, Huntingdon, and Fenland. By participating, you can help brighten Christmas for young people facing challenging circumstances."

 

Here is how you can support the appeal and help deliver Christmas smiles to hundreds of local children:

• Giving Trees: These will be set up in the main hospital entrances at Peterborough, Hinchingbrooke and Stamford & Rutland in the coming weeks. There will be gift tags for people to choose from - selecting a child's name and age. Simply take a tag, purchase a gift, and bring it back (unwrapped) to the reception desks.
• Amazon wish list:  If you can't visit a tree, you can still help by purchasing a gift online through the Amazon wish list https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/193OA9UM6XKG1
• Monetary donations: Donations are also welcomed and will be used to purchase gifts for those in need Donate Giving Tree money here (enthuse.com)

 

The Christmas Giving Tree Appeal is a Fund within the North West Anglia Hospitals' Charity (Registration No 1050601)

Keep an eye on the Trust's social media platforms to keep up to date with the campaign and ways in which you can donate and make a difference. 

Pic cap: Christmas Giving Tree organisers, Natalie Styles-Hudson and Sharron Carey will be spending a night camping outside Peterborough City Hospital to help raise awareness of the appeal. 

Some of the gifts donated during last year's appeal and the army of present wrapping volunteers.