Lewisham and Greenwich hospitals appeal for toys for children patients

There might be no naughty list this year, but Ralph Stockman, aged 18 months, is obviously sceptical – he’s clinging onto his blow-up Santa for now.

He is also helping out other patients at two hospitals by appealing to the community to support a virtual appeal for patients, because toys can’t be donated.

Pandemic regulations mean University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital mean Santa will have to social distance this Christmas.

So Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust charity has set up a new virtual Christmas appeal to spread festive cheer to patients young and old across both hospitals. You can:

• Donate to the Christmas Virtual Toy Appeal to provide toys for children in hospital
• Donate to the Christmas Winter Clothing Appeal to provide warm clothing for older patients whose relatives cannot always drop off warm clothing to them due to Covid-19 restrictions before they are discharged from hospital.

Charity head Margarita Vidiella said: “We’ve been so grateful for the support from our local communities this year. We are making a plea that you once again get behind us and donate online for these two fantastic campaigns – by doing so you’ll be making a huge difference.”

Head of nursing Robert Cole said: “Your generosity will help us to buy new toys specially selected by our Play Specialists, which will be handed out on Christmas Day.”

Callum, a patient at University Hospital Lewisham said: “I know many kids that will not get presents this year because of the virus and money is tight. That is why this appeal is important. No one wants to be in hospital especially at Christmas so if you can brighten up a child’s day by contributing towards a present then please donate.”

Lead dementia nurse Kate Hudson said: “At the moment, it can be difficult for patients’ relatives to bring them in warm clothing. So this winter we would like to make sure that every patient leaves our hospitals warm and cosy – we’re hoping to buy jackets, jogging bottoms hats and gloves.”

Pictured: Ward manager Nicola Hurst, play support worker Lisa Jane Richards, senior staff nurse Jo Daley, play specialist Carol Sullvian-Wallace, plus, front Ralph Stockman and his mum Nancy Buttivant