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Pair set for hospital sleepout for Christmas appeal

Laura Devlin
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust Two women smile at the camera in a head and shoulder shot. Both have blonde hair and are draped in pink blankets. The woman on the left has a pink bobble hat and the woman on the right has a black hat with DKNY in white across the front. North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
Natalie Styles-Hudson and Sharron Carey are all set for a chilly night at Peterborough City Hospital

Two women who help organise an annual giving tree which spreads Christmas joy are staging a sleepout in the hope of helping even more vulnerable children and young people.

Each year, Christmas trees at the entrances of Peterborough City, Hinchingbrooke, and Stamford & Rutland hospitals are festooned with tags, each with a child's name, age and gift request, which visitors can buy and donate.

Natalie Styles-Hudson, site senior manager at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, believes the initiative has delivered more than 10,000 presents since its inception in 2015.

She and deputy service manager Sharron Carey hope to raise funds, awareness and "add a little extra excitement" by camping outside Peterborough City Hospital overnight on 12 November.

"The appeal has grown from very humble beginnings into a much anticipated event," added Styles-Hudson.

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

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

"By participating, you can help brighten Christmas for young people facing challenging circumstances."

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust An office space with boxed toys lined up and stacked up, including dolls, headphones, games, cars and dolls houses.North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
Hundreds of gifts are donated to the cause and then wrapped by volunteers

The appeal, part of North West Anglia Hospitals' Charity, began with 50 presents being donated from a tree at Hinchingbrooke, after Styles-Hudson had a chance meeting with a colleague working with vulnerable people.

The organisers said it had "snowballed" since and attracted huge support from staff, patients, visitors, community groups and businesses.

Separately, Peterborough City Council said it would be hosting a giving tree at its Sand Martin House offices, with gifts distributed by charity Barnardo's.

The charity receives referrals from other charities, children's social care, health visits, midwifery, preschools, nurseries, schools and family support workers.

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