Alhambra Theatre panto cast throw their sparkly support behind hospital fundraising campaign

The star-studded cast of the Alhambra Theatre panto Aladdin are spreading Christmas sparkle for Axl tomorrow!

Bradford Hospitals’ Charity launched its Christmas fundraising campaign – Spread some sparkle for Axl – to raise money to buy toys and specialist play equipment and activities for children receiving hospital treatment throughout the year. The charity is calling on schools and businesses to wear something sparkly and make a donation to Axl’s Toy Fund.

The campaign is in memory of Axl Walker, a former patient at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI), who sadly passed away earlier this year three days before his third birthday. Axl had a rare blood disorder which required regular blood transfusions and two bone marrow transplants.

Axl’s mum, Claire Gearier, and his brother  Lucas met the cast, along with paediatric haematology nurse Linda Brooks, who cared for Axl when he was at the BRI.

Hayley Collis, head of fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “Pantomime is as sparkly as it comes, so we’re so grateful that Billy Pearce, Christopher Biggins, Simon Webbe and the rest of the cast found time in their hectic schedule to meet us.

“It’s very bitter sweet, as we know Axl would have loved the panto. However, we’re proud to be fundraising in his memory and to make this first Christmas without Axl as special for Axl’s family as possible.”

Bradford City has also backed the Sparkle for Axl campaign, urging supporters to wear some sparkle to the Walsall game on Saturday. Bradford Hospitals’ Charity is also asking fans to raise their phone torches to make the stadium sparkle in support.

For more information and to donate visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/axlstoyfund

For more information about Bradford Hospitals’ Charity – the official NHS charity partner of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – visit www.bradfordhospitalscharity.org