Spreading festive cheer

December 2011

Rockinghorse has been spreading Christmas cheer, along with a little help from its friends this Christmas.

Friday-Ad teamed up with SendMeAChristmasTree.co.uk to provide and decorate trees for sick and disabled children and young people to enjoy over the festive season at a number of locations across the region, including an 11 foot tree for the reception area of The Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, as well as providing smaller trees for Chalkhill Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit in Haywards Heath and respite centres, including Tudor House in Brighton, Drove Road in Portslade and Finches in Burgess Hill.

David Somerville from SendMeAChristmasTree.co.uk said: "We were so pleased to be able to donate some Christmas trees, especially knowing that the centres could put the money they would normally have spent towards other good uses."

Rockinghorse's longterm supporters' Family Investments also provided and decorated trees for the wards of The Alex.

Alongside the trees, over 1,000 presents were donated by homeware company Kleeneze, which asked customers to purchase toys varying in price for Rockinghorse. These were distributed across all of the charity's projects, including 200 for The Alex's Christmas party.

Disney Store in Brighton donated some well-loved soft toy characters and Dave Jenkins, author of Roary the Racing Car, has given the charity large amounts of merchandise, some of which were given out as Christmas presents.

Southern Rail staff decorated Outwood Ward which is the children's ward at East Surrey Hospital in Reigate.

Ria Wilson, Rockinghorse Fundraising Manager, said: "We're so grateful at how everyone has rallied together and provided trees, presents and their time for decorating hospitals to make them more festive. It will make a real difference to those who have to spend Christmas in hospital. Thank you to everyone for their support."

Rockinghorse helps ensure no child is forgotten at this magical time of year by coordinating donations of Christmas trees and delivering presents to local hospitals and respite centres. To find out more about our work, call us on 01273 330044.

Jonathan will be spending Christmas in hospital. Read his story here.