• Hundreds of gifts donated from generous individuals and organisations across Bolton
• Spreading festive cheer to patients staying in hospital and the staff who are looking after them
• Bolton staff show their support to Our Bolton NHS Charity with ‘Festive Friday’

People right across Bolton are helping to spread the festive joy this Christmas to patients and staff at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.

Over the past few weeks, the organisation has seen hundreds of gifts and treats donated that are all lifting the spirits of patients who are staying in hospital over Christmas and the staff who are caring for them.

So far, more than £12,000 worth of presents have been donated to Our Bolton NHS Charity this Christmas.

At the start of the week, players, management, and backroom staff from Bolton Wanderers made a surprise and special visit to deliver dozens of gifts to children who staying on the children’s ward and in the children’s Emergency Department.

They also spent time meeting families and staff who are caring for the children over Christmas, which left big smiles on people’s faces.

Ian Evatt, Bolton Wanderers’ First Team Manager, said:

It’s the greatest time of year for many people, but for the unfortunate ones that are in hospital during Christmas it isn’t. If we can put a smile on their face, even just for a moment, it’s a really important thing to do.

 

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It’s all about perspective and coming on these visits you get that. Some of the poorly kids in here are still smiling, so if we can add to that it’s worth it for us.

In the lead up to Christmas Day, the Trust has seen many special guests offering donations, including Santa himself who arrived in his Santaceptor, accompanied not by his reindeer, but instead Leisure Guard Security.

We've had multiple donor visits today, including Santa in his Santaceptor, and have been inundated with gifts for our patients at @boltonnhsft.
Absolutely blown away by the generosity of our Bolton community….thank you to all who donated today. ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/zr5JtI4r7T

— Our Bolton NHS Charity 💙 (@OurBolton_NHS) December 19, 2023

Overbury, who are currently building the Trust’s brand new multi-million pound Community Diagnostic Centre at the hospital, visited the Enhanced Care Lounge to drop off presents that will be shared with patients over Christmas and New Year.

Apogee Corporation also donated two sacks full of goodies to young people staying on the children’s ward.

Abdul Goni, Charity Engagement Coordinator at Our Bolton NHS Charity, said:

We are absolutely blown away by the generosity of our Bolton communities who go above and beyond to help our patients and staff celebrate this special time of year.

“Thank you to everyone who has donated and spread festive cheer.

It’s not just communities raising spirits and vital funds for Our Bolton NHS Charity this Christmas, as staff dressed in their favourite festive socks, jumpers and accessories for #FestiveFriday on Friday 15 December.

Each member of staff who dressed up donated £1 to the charity and shared their photos on social media using the hashtag #FestiveFriday2023.

With thanks to all of our festive donors:

• Andrew Cockburn
• Dunelm Call Centre
• Benefit Mankind/Brighter Beginnings
• Elephant & Castle
• Project Linus
• David Hutton
• Lord Raglan Pub
• Children’s Hospital Pyjamas Charity
• Apogee Corporation
• Band Family Action
• Katie Birtwistle
• Eden Boys School
• Leisure Guard Security
• Bolton Wanderers Football Club
• Dan Gregory
• St Peter and St Paul RC Primary School
• Porsche Centre Bolton
• Bolton Wanderers in the Community
• Fairy Bricks
• Bury FC
• Overbury PLC
• Transformation Life Church, Bolton