An Ipswich construction company is once again helping donate mountains of toys to children and their families spending Christmas at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
This is the fifth year SEH French has supported local mum Danielle Tucker and her annual appeal, “Spread Some Joy, Donate a Toy”.
The present drive is arranged in honour of her late daughter Eva, who was cared for by the hospital before she passed away aged just six-and-a-half months old in December 2017.
Danielle was first inspired to start the charity campaign following her family’s own experiences at the hospital over the festive period.
A major supermarket chain would arrange a ‘magical’ annual toy and games delivery at the time, which was later cancelled – inspiring Danielle to take up the mantle herself.
Danielle said: “The children in Great Ormond Street miss out on such a lot while they are in hospital, and even more so at Christmas. It is a huge privilege to give them some of the festive magic back.
“But it isn’t only the children who benefit. Each gift donated brings positivity and support for the parents and siblings, showing them that they are not alone.”
SEH French has collected hundreds of toys and games for the hospital since 2022, with its office in White House Road used as a drop-off point for local people wanting to get involved.
Liam Bosworth, Procurement and Office Manager at SEH French, said: “It is great to be supporting Danielle and the Tucker family once again in their annual appeal.
“We’ve been in awe of the family’s strength and will to help others since we were first made aware of their story five years ago. The appeal is something we all get behind as a team.
“We hope to once again help spread some festive joy to the children and their families spending Christmas in the hospital this year.
“A huge thank you to everyone who has already dropped off their donations or contributed to our JustGiving page.
“We hope to see another mountain of toys flooding the office floor before they’re collected next month.”
The public are welcome to drop off their own donations at SEH French’s office at 30 White House Road before Friday, December 4.
Suggested donations include sensory toys for babies, puzzles, colouring books, cuddly toys and jewellery kits.
All donations must be new to meet the hospital’s strict infection controls.
More information on the types of gifts which can be donated can be found here.
