Selection boxes for ALL

Generous duo hand out hundreds of chocolates at Christmas

A pair of undercover Santas brought a sweet surprise to young people at two Bradford hospitals last week as they delivered more than two-hundred selection boxes to some of the city’s patients.

Sarah Royal and Qais Ahfaq had been collecting the chocolate treats for more than a month and finally got to distribute their early Christmas presents on Friday at the Bradford Royal Infirmary and Airedale General Hospital.

In total, 264 selection boxes were donated to the appeal, with a further £320 in cash handed over to charities - Martin House Children’s Hospice and the Association of Young People with ME (AYME).

DONATIONS: Sarah Royal and Qais Ashfaq collected more than 200 selection boxes for patients at Bradford Royal Infirmary and Airedale General Hospital

Sarah, from Idle, Bradford, took part in a similar project last year alongside colleagues from work and decided to repeat the initiative this year with the help of her friend, Qais.

“After the success of last year’s collection, I wanted to do something similar and this time we received even more boxes than we could have hoped for,” she explained.

“When we got to hand over the chocolates, we needed a trolley to carry them all up to the ward there was that many. It was fantastic.

“By doing an appeal like this it is very rewarding and we hope that we have been able to help people who are spending their Christmas day in hospital.”

A huge haul of selection boxes were dropped off at Ward 17 at the BRI where children are cared for.

Alison Kay, one of the hospital’s play specialists, spoke of how important a project like this can prove to be for patients.

“For patients who are spending time here over Christmas, to receive a gift from somebody outside of hospital means a great deal to them,” she said.

“When they see these selection boxes it will help spread the joy of Christmas through the whole ward and bring a smile to so many faces.”

Sarah and Qais also added their thanks to all the people who had donated to the appeal over the past month.

“We just want to say a massive than you to everyone who donated a selection box or cash during the appeal,” Sarah added.

“Every penny counts and we could not have done it without your help.”