The Covid-19 pandemic has brought fear, loneliness and loss to the Bolton community; however, research suggests it has also rekindled an appreciation for the simple pleasures in life and the small, meaningful gestures that have a big impact.

It is this, that has been the inspiration for our latest appeal: The Small Things.

Throughout the pandemic, we have been humbled by acts of kindness towards our staff, such as letters and pictures from pupils at local primary schools; thank you NHS rainbow road markings at the entrance to the Royal Bolton Hospital, and food supplies and donations from local businesses.

In turn, hospital and community-based staff have supported patients with small acts of kindness and compassion, for example decorating the central delivery suite with daffodils for new mums on Mothering Sunday; tying rainbow ribbons in the bereavement garden for every patient sadly lost to Covid-19, and yarnbombing of the memorial garden with little knitted gifts for patients to take home.

As a charity, we want to build connection and ensure our patients, community and staff feel cared for all year round. We want to foster a community spirit within Bolton and get everyone involved so the cumulative effect of The Small Things is far-reaching and significant.

By supporting our latest appeal: The Small Things, you are part of an incredible team helping to make a big difference to patients in hospital or under our care.

To date, we have been able to fund:

• Christmas presents for over 900 patients
• Games and activities to entertain and calm older children admitted to hospital in a mental health crisis
• Bolton Neonatal Unit’s first twin cot
• Craft materials for patients who are frail, elderly or living with dementia

The Small Things is an unrestricted appeal with funds raised going into Our Bolton NHS Charity’s general purposes fund, giving the Corporate Trustee the flexibility to use charitable funds in areas that need it most.