My WiSH launches Christmas appeal to help give every patient a gift 

An appeal is being launched next month (November) to ensure that every hospital and community patient across West Suffolk receives a gift on Christmas Day.

It’s being organised by the My WiSH Charity and it’s the fifth year that the campaign has been run.

Sally Daniels, the charity’s fundraising manager, said: “We first started this appeal in 2020 when Covid prevented the community from bringing in gifts, but it’s been so successful and meant every single patient will have a gift to open on the big day which is just lovely.

“We have had some lovely feedback from both patients and their relatives in past years, so we know it makes a difference.”

The appeal means that patients of all ages, including those in the Newmarket Community Hospital and those in community  beds, such as Glastonbury Court, will receive a gift on Christmas Day.

Sally continued: “Being able to give a gift, especially to older patients who may not receive a visitor, is just so important.  

“Who doesn’t like to receive a gift and we hope it shows patients that the community are thinking of them. After all, no one wants to spend Christmas in hospital do they?”

The appeal means the charity, who enhance care across the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, will need to raise £3,300 to allow them to buy the 550 gifts needed. 

“The charity hopes the community will get behind them,” Sally added.

“Each gift costs £6 so we have a lot to raise. People could donate in lieu of buying Christmas cards, or hold a festive bake sale 

“There are lots of clever crafters out there, so maybe someone would like to sell some of their crafts to raise some money. And of course there is Christmas Jumper day.”

If you would like to know more, or to donate a virtual Christmas present, go to My WiSH Charity’s event page at www.mywishcharity.co.uk