Hospitals charity marks 10 years of gift appeal

An NHS hospitals charity is celebrating a decade of its Christmas Giving Tree, which has provided thousands of gifts to families in need.

North West Anglia Hospitals' Charity started the project in 2015.

It was conceived by Natalie Styles-Hudson, site manager at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon, who was inspired to act after seeing a five-year-old girl in torn trainers and without a winter coat.

"I saw true poverty that day. I knew I had to do something, and that is when the Giving Tree began," Ms Styles-Hudson.

The NHS trust, which also runs hospitals in Peterborough, and Stamford in Lincolnshire, said the initiative had snowballed and attracted huge support.

An estimated 10,000 presents have been delivered since it was launched, with last year being the most successful one for the charity, with more than 6,000 gifts donated.

Ms Style-Hudson, who this summer was shortlisted for a trust outstanding achievement award for her dedication to the giving tree project, said: "It has been an incredible 10 years and the generosity from so many people has truly been overwhelming.

"The appeal has grown from very humble beginnings into a much anticipated event.

"This year the need is greater than ever because times are incredibly hard for some.

"The team will deliver gifts to less advantaged children and young people in schools, hostels, and domestic abuse refuges across Peterborough, Huntingdon, and Fenland."

More information on how to donate a present can be found on the trust's website.

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