In 2012 my perfectly healthy youngest daughter, Charlotte suffered a sudden and devastating brain haemorrhage which then caused multiple strokes leaving her partially sighted & with severe learning difficulties aged just 7 years old. We spent 8 weeks in Leeds General Infirmary feeling alone, terrified, frustrated amongst other things. The kind messages (and even gifts of tea bags and bubble bath!) and thoughts from people back home made such a huge difference to us that once Charlotte was home I started Lottie Box, an annual event where I ask for donations of toys, books, crayons, toiletries etc. which I then package up in boxes Charlotte has customised by painting them sparkly pink (her favourite). Once they're pink & sparkly and full of love from you and us we can call them Lottie Boxes.

I get so many messages from people who are further afield or who struggle to get to the shops or to one of our drop off points but who really want to contribute that I promised to look into setting up a page for monetary donations which is here!

You have until Saturday 17th December 2016 to donate. I will then use your donated money to purchase items to include in our Lottie Boxes, take them to Leeds General and hand out to families going through this trauma over Christmas. Watching my child in hospital fighting for her life was the worst experience I've ever been through but to think of going through that as well as trying to somehow manage Christmas for my other daughter too is just unimaginable. But I do know first hand how much it means to know you are being thought about and supported by people out there in that world you'd love to get back to so please donate whatever you can and share as much as you possibly can.

Thank you so much, Leila 'Charlotte's Mum' Neve <3 Xx