A charity appeal to bring the magic of Christmas to the area’s sickest children and older patients spending time in hospital is back! This year we have a little added help from Santa, courtesy of our friends at Holderness and Humberside Rotary Club.

WISHH, the official charity of Hull Hospitals, would like to invite members of our community, schools and local businesses to get involved, helping us to spread the festive cheer to patients across Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital. 

Lisa Whitton, WISHH Charity Manager said, “We love bringing festive spirit to patients looked after across Hull Hospitals. This year we have teamed up with the fantastic Rotary Clubs of Holderness and Humberside to be part of their Santa Fun Run, taking place on the 10^th December at Pickering Park.  We are encouraging as many people as we can to get involved in the event to support our appeal. 

“The Hull Santa Run will then kick start our WISHH National Elf Service Week from the 10^th to the 17^th December, as we encourage budding elves to discover their ‘Inner Elf’ and take part in a range of themed activities to support Hull Hospitals. From festive bake sales and elf-themed days, to festive wear and crafting, there are plenty of ways to join in the festivities!”

“Funds raised from this appeal will enable WISHH to buy gifts for children cared for in the Children’s Emergency Department, Eye Hospital, Anlaby Suite, Woodland Ward, Paediatric High Dependency Unit, Acorn Ward, and other specialist areas across our hospitals.

“We would also like to provide gifts for older patients, to include slippers, toiletries, arts and crafts, and reminiscence gifts for dementia patients. These gifts and other items for the wards will help make their hospital stay more comfortable. Some older patients may not receive gifts or have visitors if family live far away, and we want them to have something to open on Christmas day.”

Wendy Page, Interim Deputy Chief Nurse said, “We remain under pressure trying to support all patients who require our services. By supporting the National Elf Service appeal, funds donated will enable WISHH to give patients a bit of extra Christmas cheer. WISHH will take the strain out of buying and delivering gifts for you as they work alongside the wards to select ideal gifts for patients in their care. It’s a great way of helping local clubs, businesses and other members of the community make a difference to patients in our care.”