It’s that time of year again! Here’s a Christmas message from the fantastic St George’s Hospital Charity in Tooting. Can you help raise a smile in their children’s wards this Christmas?

---

Christmas is around the corner and we want to ensure every child in hospital can celebrate this festive season.

Being in hospital is worrying and stressful at any time, but it can be particularly difficult around Christmas – especially for children. While everyone else is attending festive parties and opening presents, there are thousands of children and young people being treated at St George’s Hospital.

We want to bring a smile to the faces of kids who have to be stuck in hospital at Christmas time! That’s why we’re raising funds for our annual paediatric Christmas party – to fill the halls with joy and bring a little distraction to children away from their families over the festive season.

There will be something for everyone – lots of yummy food and drinks, entertainment including a disco and pantomime, and a toy for every child. Not only can toys, equipment and fun activities help children to express themselves and have some downtime, they can also relieve boredom and help in rehabilitation. A time of distraction away from the wards can also enliven the senses, and help kids relieve anxiety about illnesses and upcoming procedures.

Hazel Rand, a Play Specialist from our paediatric play team says:

“Being in hospital over Christmas can be really hard for children – they’re away from family and friends, siblings are split up over the holidays, and parents are dividing their time between home and the hospital. Being able to put a smile on their faces makes all the difference. Gifts and activities cheer patients up and allow staff to connect with the kids. Overall it just makes hospital a much brighter place to be at Christmas.”

St George’s Hospital plays a key role in the lives of young people in our community – we have five children’s wards, a neonatal unit covering more than 100 beds, and we treat around 34,000 children every year, so it’s always an incredibly busy place! The role of St George’s Hospital Charity is to make the experience of being in hospital just a little bit better.

Christmas should be a special time for every child, and we'd love if you could help us bring a smile to another child’s face!

Our Amazon wish list has now been updated with toys and equipment for the central Play Room. It’s extremely easy to use – access our wish list here and then simply click on the toy or gift you’d like to purchase. From there it will be donated and delivered straight to the charity.

Monetary donations also help us make an immediate impact, you can donate online here or text GEOR35 £5 to 70070.

This article would not be possible without the support of our fantastic Community Partners. Click here to find out more.