A charity have launched a Christmas appeal asking for donations which will go towards providing gifts for children in Dorset hospitals.
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity is calling people across Dorset to gift a child in hospital with a brighter Christmas. Donations will help fund activity packs, presents, and games for children on hospital wards as well as supporting them with new equipment and items beyond the festive season.
As temperatures plummet during the winter months, children with respiratory or feeding difficulties can be more susceptible and become particularly poorly. For some of the most unwell children, the hospital is the safest place to be and thus can’t be home for Christmas.
Ten-year-old Bobby Griffin was born with a deletion of chromosome 14Q, and his parents are provided with additional care from community nurses and the paediatrics team from University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust who make regular home visits.
While there were some worries that Bobby would have to spend Christmas in the hospital, the family have expressed their gratitude at being able to have him home during the festive period.
His mother, Leanne, said: “There have been times when my husband and I have talked about what if he has to stay in hospital over Christmas. We have been very close to it but thankfully we have escaped that so far.
“To have to separate the family at such a magical time of year would be devastating. My heart goes out to any parent who has this scenario. Christmas is about being together and there simply is nowhere like home.
“We are so grateful for the support and care from his nurses who answer our call for just about anything. They give so much of their time to support people like Bobby and families like us. If this Christmas, we can do anything to support them and other children needing the help of our hospitals, we are only more than happy to do it.”
More information about the appeal can be found on the charity website: https://www.uhdcharity.org/current-projects/christmas-appeal/
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