NHS Christmas appeal breaks record gift donations

An NHS hospitals charity said it gave out a record amount of gifts during its appeal over the Christmas period.

North West Anglia Hospitals' Charity said about 7,000 presents were donated and delivered to families across Peterborough, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.

The Giving Tree Appeal started in 2015 and received 6,000 gifts in 2024.

Natalie Styles-Hudson, who founded the project, said: "Thanks to this amazing support, the Christmas Giving Tree has been able to reach even further this year, supporting more children and families across our community."

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust operates Peterborough City Hospital, Hinchingbrooke Hospital and Stamford and Rutland Hospital.

It said the appeal celebrated its 10th anniversary supporting less advantaged children by providing them with gifts during the festive period.

Donations included books, dolls, train sets, games and craft kits, and were given by staff, hospitals visitors, individuals and local businesses.

Styles-Hudson, also a site senior manager at the trust, said: "The team delivered gifts to less advantaged children and young people in schools, hostels, and domestic abuse refuges across Peterborough, Huntingdon, and Fenland."

The appeal first operated at Hinchingbrooke Hospital and started with 50 presents donated and delivered to children.

Styles-Hudson said they had been "overwhelmed" by the amount of gifts they had received in 2025.

She said: "Perhaps the most unique gift of all was the sponsorship of a Shetland pony named Bennie, donated to a 16-year-old with additional needs living in a care home.

"Every single person who has supported the appeal has helped to brighten Christmas for young people facing challenging circumstances."

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