THE Times today launches a fantastic toy appeal to make Christmas extra special to children who spend the festive season in hospital.
Following the success of last year's campaign, where thousands of toys were donated by readers, the Times editorial team has decided to do it all again.
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| KIND ACE: Andy Fordham |
This year, former Spice Girl turned children's author Geri Halliwell and a host of other celebrities have pledged their support and offered to send toys to our appeal.
tHEchildren's author Ms Halliwell said: "I have got a massive bag of toys that I was just about to throw away, perfectly good toys, and it would be such a shame to throw them away and would be very happy to give them to the Toy Appeal."
Toys pledged for our appeal will go directly to the hospital in your area, for the newspaper you buy or receive through your door.
At a time when everyone is feeling the effect of the economic downturn this is an appeal where all gifts, whatever the price, are gratefully received. In Dartford and Gravesend it will benefit children at Darent Valley Hospital.
In Bromley, readers will donate to Princess Royal University Hospital and in Bexley and Swanley Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich.
Businesses are also encouraged to support the campaign and send gifts to our head office in Sidcup or our base in Gravesend.
Former British darts champion Andy Fordham, who helps his wife Jenny run the Cutty Sark pub in Thamesmead, was happy to donate a giant pick up truck to our campaign.
The Dartford-born British Darts Organisation champ is waiting to go to hospital himself for a liver transplant following a dramatic stroke after Christmas 2006.
The 46-year-old, who grew up in Montcalm Road, Charlton, said: "It's hard enough for adults sitting in hospital, let alone for kids.
"I've got two kids of my own and I know it would take more than a telly to stop them getting bored.
"It's typical that the public need to step in to help out, so I'm glad someone's on the case. Some kids at Christmas won't have anyone to give them presents.
"Hopefully this will cheer them up a bit."
Chris Till, children's CITV and GMTV presenter and star of this year's Woodville Halls pantomime in Gravesend has also offered his support.
The 28-year-old, who has also starred in the West End and will play the Prince in this year's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. He said: "I just want to encourage people to donate some toys for this wonderful cause. It is important for people to support this worthy appeal and build on the success of the first appeal last year."
He added: "I am on TV five days a week and work with a live audience and lots of children so I know how important it is for them to have a special Christmas and this appeal can really help us make this happen.
"Pantomime is very good for young children and is important they see live theatre this is why I am delighted to be on stage at Woodville Halls this year. I have actually visited children in hospital, a couple of years ago I visited Queen Mary's in Sidcup, so I know how important this appeal is."
Topsy Ojo, Sidcup's own England rugby player was more than happy to chip in a Winnie the Pooh puzzle set.
The 23-year-old started playing rugby union at Dartford Grammar School and was called up for the national team last May.
The winger said: "Christmas time is usually spent with family and it must be incredibly difficult, especially for children, to be told they cannot spend Christmas at home.
"I really hope that in donating toys to the local hospitals, we can really help the kids still enjoy Christmas time."
Presents will be donated to specific children wards and will also benefit children receiving out-patient care.
Many children have to undergo unpleasant and recurring treatments such as blood transfusions for leukaemia sufferers.
Others will be kept on the paediatric wards where thousands of children pass through each year.(story source...)
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