Students donated advent calendars to children spending part of the Christmas season in hospital.
Pupils at Jupiter Community Free School in Hemel Hempstead gave more than 360 calendars to children at hospitals in Watford, St Albans and Hemel Hempstead.
They were inspired to start giving after a member of the school’s parent-teacher association (PTA), Laura Odell, spoke about how her son received a calendar while at Watford General Hospital last year.
She said the gesture made a huge difference to not only her son but other children in the wards.
The calendars being transported to West Herts children's wards. Photo: West Herts Hospital Trust
The gifts were given to patient care charity Raise to distribute to the wards.
School principal Neil Jones said: “It was a fantastic response from our pupils and their families, and a real buzz to be able to present the hospital charity with so many gifts.
“Children always get a great deal out of taking part in charitable activities and this is a cause many of them can relate to even at a young age.”
Debbie Town distributing the calendars. Photo: West Herts Hospital Trust
David, accompanied by Riley, 6, and Keira, 7. Photo: West Herts Hospital Trust
Raise’s charity director David Head said: “I was blown away when I saw the huge number of calendars collected, and the amazing support for kids in hospital from the Children at Jupiter.
“On the wards these will genuinely help. A hospital stay or visit at this time of year is never pleasant for a children, a small gift can make a big difference.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here