VISITORS to a Nottingham opticians were greeted by a range of children’s characters on Saturday (21 October) to raise awareness for a local children’s charity appeal.
Tigger, Goofy, Belle and Rapunzel alongside Mickey, Minnie and Anna were all on hand to assist customers at Specsavers on Wheeler Gate, as the team announced its support for the Children’s Hospital Pyjamas campaign.
The team are appealing for brand-new children’s pyjamas sets from newborn through to aged eighteen. All pyjamas collected will be donated to The Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham children’s department, in time for the festive period.
‘This is the second year running that we’ve supported Children’s Hospital Pyjamas,’ comments Nicole Thacker, store director, Specsavers Nottingham. ‘The team wanted to make a splash in terms of support so decided to mark Disney’s 100th anniversary as a way of raising awareness for this fabulous charity.
‘It’s a simple initiative but can have a huge impact – showing the children and their families that we are thinking of them. We are calling on the generosity of our customers, the local community and our family and friends to join forces and collect as many pyjamas sets as we can.’
With each pair of pyjamas, the charity also provides a handmade pair of hearts, one for the child and another for a loved one to share as a way of staying close together even when they might have to spend some time apart.
Children’s Hospital Pyjamas is a UK based charity. It was started in 2009 when the founder’s young child was diagnosed with cancer and had to spend long periods of time in hospital. It was evident that it added to her child’s distress to wear a hospital gown and comfy pyjamas made such a difference to making the hospital stays more comfortable. Today, the charity distributes donations to poorly or disadvantaged children in hospitals, hospices and women’s refuges up and down the country. Visit www.childrenshospitalpyjamas.co.uk for more information.
There is a collection box for pyjama sets in store up until 31 October for anyone wishing to make a donation – pop along to 20-24 Wheeler Gate, Nottingham. Call 01156 725877 or visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/nottingham for more information.
