Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) appeal raises thousands to pay for toys on wards

An appeal launched over Christmas by Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) to raise funds for specially designed toys to help children understand their treatment was supported by hundreds of people.

Money raised from the festive toy appeal could mean hundreds more specialist toys for children. You can still donate at helpyourhospital.co.uk/toy2022 – and you can see the charity’s video advertisement there.

George Holden, pictured above, is the little boy featured in the video. His mum, Denise Duignan, said: “We’ve seen first-hand what a difference these specialist toys make. The cuddly toys the nurses use to demonstrate putting a cannula in really helped George to understand what they were going to do, and help him to feel more at ease being in hospital.

“In fact the staff were so good with these toys they would even make him smile – as a parent with a child in hospital I can’t begin to tell you how much that helped us as well. With your donations the charity will be able to provide even more of these specialist toys and make even better for more children who have to be there.”

[Read more: How you can help children at Addenbrooke’s through festive toy appeal]

Michael Nobb, father of Rita, who also featured, said: “The toys and craft materials provided by Addenbrooke’s, and the play team who entertain children with them, makes such a difference for unwell children.

“The staff are amazing at ensuring that younger patients feel safe and confident about their treatments. The special toys and activities they provide really helped Rita.”