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Local families in need were able to celebrate Christmas thanks to a record number of gifts donated to the Giving Tree Appeal which was supported by North West Anglia Hospitals Charity for the first time this year.

Members of the community and staff at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust’s hospitals joined forces to bring some festive joy to underprivileged children by donating an amazing 2,800 gifts.  

In doing so, they have set a new record in the success of The Giving Tree appeal since it began in 2016.

Natalie Styles–Hudson, Site Senior Manager at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, who runs The Giving Tree appeal, said: “I set up the appeal to provide Christmas presents to children and young people who  would otherwise get nothing. I have been amazed by the generosity shown this year and the support we have received from North West Anglia Hospitals Charity.

“This year we also wanted to focus on giving gifts to children of hospital staff who are most in need. We were able to give to 12 different wards or departments across Peterborough and Hinchingbrooke Hospitals. Staff members said it was amazing to see the joy on their children’s faces when the presents were given and what a huge sense of relief they felt knowing they had presents to open.

“The remainder of the gifts were given to Independent Domestic Violence Advisors who work with families where there are high levels of domestic abuse, plus refuges, schools, families living in temporary accommodation, youth hostels and those living in extreme poverty. Due to people’s generosity, we were also able to donate to four more schools and some individual family situations where we could really make a difference in unimaginable circumstances.”

“Thank you to all those who have so kindly and generously donated and supported the Christmas Giving Tree.”

Joanne Bennis, Chief Nurse at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Peterborough City, Hinchingbrooke and Stamford and Rutland Hospitals, added: “I feel incredibly proud that we managed to donate nearly 3,000 gifts to children living in difficult situations. I would like to thank Natalie and all those who helped to run the appeal, alongside their normal jobs. I would also like to thank everyone that donated gifts and money towards The Giving Tree, including Progress Health and Unite 4 Charity.”