WISHH National Elf Service Appeal returns with the help of Santa

A charity appeal to bring the magic of Christmas to the area’s sickest children and older patients spending time in hospital is back. This year WISHH has a little added help from Santa, courtesy of their friends at Holderness and Humberside Rotary Club.

WISHH, the official charity of Hull Hospitals, would like to invite members of the community, schools and local businesses to get involved, helping to spread the festive cheer to patients across Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital. 

Lisa Whitton, WISHH Charity Manager, said: “We love bringing festive spirit to patients looked after across Hull Hospitals. This year we have teamed up with the fantastic Rotary Clubs of Holderness and Humberside to be part of their Santa Fun Run, taking place on Sunday 10 December at Pickering Park.  We are encouraging as many people as we can to get involved in the event to support our appeal. 

“The Hull Santa Run will then kickstart our WISHH National Elf Service Week from Sunday 10 to Sunday 17 December, as we encourage budding elves to discover their ‘Inner Elf’ and take part in a range of themed activities to support Hull Hospitals. From festive bake sales and elf-themed days, to festive wear and crafting, there are plenty of ways to join in the festivities!

“Funds raised from this appeal will enable WISHH to buy gifts for children cared for in the Children’s Emergency Department, Eye Hospital, Anlaby Suite, Woodland Ward, Paediatric High Dependency Unit, Acorn Ward, and other specialist areas across our hospitals.

“We would also like to provide gifts for older patients, to include slippers, toiletries, arts and crafts, and reminiscence gifts for dementia patients. These gifts and other items for the wards will help make their hospital stay more comfortable. Some older patients may not receive gifts or have visitors if family live far away, and we want them to have something to open on Christmas Day.”

Wendy Page, Interim Deputy Chief Nurse, said: “We remain under pressure trying to support all patients who require our services. By supporting the National Elf Service appeal, funds donated will enable WISHH to give patients a bit of extra Christmas cheer. WISHH will take the strain out of buying and delivering gifts for you as they work alongside the wards to select ideal gifts for patients in their care. It’s a great way of helping local clubs, businesses and other members of the community make a difference to patients in our care.” 

Other ways to support the appeal include Christmas WISHHes, in lieu of writing Christmas cards. For a £5 donation, a WISHH star can be personalised with a message and displayed on trees at Hull Royal Infirmary or Castle Hill Hospital, at home or in the workplace, to support the Christmas appeal. Get in touch with WISHH if you would like to buy a star or discuss how your workplace or organisation can become involved. WISHH Festive Greetings posters are also available, for workplaces to leave messages for colleagues as a card alternative.

To become involved in the Hull Santa Run, please visit http://hullsantarun.org (entry includes Santa outfit)

To help WISHH make this Christmas special and to get involved, visit www.wishhcharity.org.uk/ways-to-give/christmas-fundraising. You can also call Lisa Whitton or Abby Wardill on 01482 622299 or email lisa.whitton3@nhs.net and they will send you a fundraising pack full of festive fun ideas to get involved in. 

Donations can be made online via their JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/nationalelfservice2023 or by cheque made payable to “WISHH Charity” and posted to WISHH Charity National Elf Service Appeal, WISHH Office, First Floor Administration Block, Castle Hill Hospital, Castle Road, Cottingham, HU16 5JQ.  They also accept BACS transfers – please call the number above for details.

Your support will enable WISHH to brighten the hospital experience for both young and old this festive season.