Two thousand thank yous!

The people of Bradford have shown incredible generosity and kindness this Christmas by donating more than 2,000 gifts to patients in hospital.

Bradford Hospitals’ Charity – the official NHS charity partner of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – has funded gifts for children, babies born over Christmas, elderly and long-stay patients thanks to £10,000 raised in its Snowflake Appeal.

A number of companies funded snowflakes, with some dedicated to fundraisers who went over and above throughout 2021.

You can read the stories behind the snowflakes here https://bradfordhospitalscharity.org/christmas/snowflakes/stories/ and watch our Snowflake Appeal video here https://bradfordhospitalscharity.org/christmas/snowflakes/

Local businesses, schools, charities and community groups have also donated gifts for children being treated by Bradford Teaching Hospitals via the charity’s Amazon Wish List and their own collections.

Bradford Hospitals’ Charity has funded the following:

  • 100 fleecy blankets for elderly and long-stay patients
  • More than 300 toys and games for children on Christmas Day
  • 80 gifts for babies born over Christmas and New Year

The charity has also received the following gifts-in-kind:

  • More than 220 toys and play items from its Amazon WishList
  • 582 selection boxes
  • 800 toys, games and crafts from charities, businesses, and community organisations, such as the Yorkshire Children’s Trust, JCI Bradford Santa Appeal, Thornton United, Cinderella Club Bradford, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Low Ash Primary School, Morrison’s Distribution Centre, and Sovereign Health Care.

Hayley Collis, Head of Fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “We are truly humbled by the kindness and generosity shown by people across Bradford this Christmas. At a time when many are feeling the pinch, individuals and organisations have chosen to donate money and gifts to our patients and show their support for our wonderful NHS. This kindness really is what Christmas is all about.

“The people of Bradford are just brilliant and we can’t thank you enough.”

Mel Pickup, Chief Executive at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The last two years have been incredibly hard for my colleagues across Bradford Teaching Hospitals, yet they have achieved so much and pulled together to continue to provide the standard of care that our patients deserve.

“The support we have received from the people of Bradford – in the way of gifts and messages – has kept us going through the tough times and we will be forever grateful.

“On behalf of everyone at Bradford Teaching Hospitals, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you. I hope you enjoy a peaceful Christmas and Happy New Year.”

There’s still time to make a donation if you wish to say thank you to our amazing NHS. Please visit https://bradfordhospitalscharity.enthuse.com/profile

If you would like to know more about making a donation or fundraising in 2022, please call the charity team on 01274 274809 or email [email protected]