My daughter Evie has been in and out of Ward 23 since she was 4 months old. She’s now 6 and thriving after receiving a heart transplant in June 2024.

Evie has spent two Christmases in hospital — once in 2019 as a baby, and again in 2023 while waiting for her gift of life. The ward always goes above and beyond at Christmas to make it special for the children and families.

This year, I’d love to give something back to the amazing staff and patients on Ward 23/HDU and PICU. I’m hoping to raise funds to buy Christmas bedding — ideally one for each of the 30+ beds.

When Evie lived in hospital in 2023, the legendary domestic Barbara always made sure she got to pick her bedding first. The Christmas bedding in particular made her bedspace feel homely and comforting during such a tough time. But sometimes they ran out, as the bedding often needs changing multiple times due to spillages or other accidents.

Having festive bedding helped make the ward feel warm and cheerful instead of clinical — and I’d love every child to have that same comfort this Christmas.

All funds raised will go directly towards purchasing Christmas bedding for the ward.