Armfield youngsters collect new toys and gifts for children in hospital over Christmas

Armfield Primary School Council have been collecting donations of new toys, winter accessories and books for the children at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. This is so that the poorly children at the hospital can wake up with a present on Christmas morning.
By John ToppingContributor
Published 14th Dec 2023, 12:32 BST
Armfield youngsters with Bobby Bear. L-R Deanne, Bobby Bear, Francis, Annie, Olivia, Teylan, Finley, and Stanley. Photo: John ToppingArmfield youngsters with Bobby Bear. L-R Deanne, Bobby Bear, Francis, Annie, Olivia, Teylan, Finley, and Stanley. Photo: John Topping
Armfield youngsters with Bobby Bear. L-R Deanne, Bobby Bear, Francis, Annie, Olivia, Teylan, Finley, and Stanley. Photo: John Topping

Olivia Clarkson, who leads the school council, said: "I am overwhelmed with the amount of donations we have received for our charity collected. Our families have been so generous and I know it will make a huge difference to children in our local community this Christmas.”

After all of the donations had been collected, we had a special visitor in school. Bobby Bear (mascot from Blue Skies) visited Armfield Academy on Tuesday December 12 to collect everyone’s generous donations.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We spoke to Deanna the communications officer of Blue Skies who came to school with Bobby. Deanna said: “I really do think the children are going to be amazed at everyone’s kindness. We know that children like themselves have been so generous in helping them have a nice Christmas. It is much appreciated.” Olivia added: “We asked Deanna if there was anything more that others could do, to raise more money for the poorly children in our local hospital. Deanna replied enthusiastically: “We have a young fundraisers programme at Blue Skies, where you can do anything from bake sales to challenging yourself, to fundraise and decide where you would like that money to be spent in the hospital,” she said beaming with a grateful smile. She concluded by saying: “Children in the past that have been patients before have been inspired with their families to continue to fundraise after leaving the hospital, so as to give something back for the help and donations they received.”

Blue Skies Hospitals Fund is the only charity dedicated to enhancing patient care for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.