Family-owned Beal Homes is supporting a drive to donate books to brighten up the days of children who have to spend time in hospital.
Local businesswoman Samantha Falcus, who lives in a Beal home in Hull’s popular Kingswood neighbourhood, is raising funds to supply books to children’s wards at Hull Royal Infirmary.
Samantha, an independent organiser for children’s book publisher Usborne, contacted the Beal team seeking support for her campaign to help cheer up youngsters during their hospital stay.
The local housebuilder donated £250 which will provide around 60 books to help entertain young patients, from babies and toddlers to mid-teens, with a selection of reading topics including early years, activity, educational, colouring and young adult fiction.
Jamie Barrington, Beal’s Sales Operations Manager, said: “We were delighted to support Samantha’s fundraising appeal, which will help make children’s time in hospital a little more bearable.
“It was a lovely surprise to discover that Samantha and her family are now in their second Beal home on Kingswood, so it was particularly pleasing to help a great cause championed by one of our loyal customers. Samantha’s campaign will make a real difference to children during difficult times.”
Samantha runs her own book business called Sammies Family Bookshop and is passionate about encouraging children of all ages to discover the joys of reading.
She said: “Books are an excellent way to keep young people of all ages entertained. During lockdown, several of my family and friends were in and out of hospital with their children and I realised that having a book to focus on helps take their minds off whatever they are going through.
“I’m absolutely delighted with how the fundraising campaign is going so far and I’d like to thank Beal Homes and all the other local businesses who have helped for their support. These donations make a big difference to children who find themselves in hospital.”
Working Independently to Support Hull Hospitals (WISHH) is the official charity for Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham. The charity coordinates all donations to the hospitals.
Charity Manager Lisa Whitton said: “Thank you to Samantha and Beal Homes for providing books for the children’s wards.
“They will be a welcome addition to help distract our young patients and keep them occupied while they’re being cared for. The children love reading with our play specialists and the books will help to brighten their day.”
Click here if you would like to make a donation.