Liverpool University Hospitals to host Giant raffle to help buy a gift for patients on Christmas Day

The charity aims to raise thousands of pounds to allow wards to buy gifts for everyone who has to spend the festive season in hospital.

A giant raffle is being organised by Liverpool University Hospitals charity to help make sure every patient at the Royal, Aintree or Broadgreen wakes up to a present on Christmas morning.

Around 1,300 gifts will be bought, bringing a bit of extra Christmas cheer to patients who aren’t able to go home on the big day.

Abi Smith, head of fundraising at Liverpool University Hospitals charity, says it’s a little gesture that can make a big difference when someone is away from their family at such a special time.

“We try and get as many people home for the day or for a few hours as we can but it obviously depends on why they’re in hospital so there are quite a lot who can’t do that,” she explains.

“For the past few years our Christmas Raffle has meant we’ve been able to buy something for every patient who’s in the hospital overnight from Christmas Eve to Christmas morning, so they all wake up to a gift.

“Some of the patients might not have anybody visiting or have any family at all so it’s just such a nice thing to do and it helps to create a really lovely atmosphere.”

Abi says the charity liaises with staff on every ward who look after all the buying and delivering.

“They’re each given a budget so they can choose appropriate presents because they will know the mix of male and female and the ages. We don’t buy chocolates because we have some patients who are diabetic, and also we’re promoting healthy living, but we do like to personalise the presents as much as possible.

“Staff go above and beyond because they appreciate what it’s like to be in hospital on Christmas Day, so each ward wraps their own gifts and then they hand them out on Christmas morning.”

The charity organises various fundraising events during November and December to support Christmas activities at all three sites such as Carols at Christmas choirs singing in the reception areas of hospitals throughout December. There are also Christmas trees at each hospital and every ward is decorated.

All the staff are given a Christmas dinner that is funded through the charity as a thank for everything they’ve done through the year.

This year’s Christmas Raffle is being sponsored by electrical safety specialist Bender which worked on the installation of equipment in the Royal’s operating theatres.

Tickets are £2 each or £10 for a book and prizes on offer include a top one of a £500 Love to Shop voucher, a 40in smart TV and luxury Christmas hamper.

Abi says anyone wanting to buy individual tickets, or companies who’d like to arrange a visit from the charity team to sell books to a large group of staff, can get in touch with them via email on fundraising@liverpoolft.nhs.uk or phone 0151 706 3153.