Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, is encouraging constituents to donate children’s pyjamas to local hospitals.
This is an initiative of the charity Children’s Hospital Pyjamas, set up by Charmaine Green, when her daughter, Nevaeh, was treated for cancer ten years ago.
Whilst the charity initially collected toys for young patients, they found that hospitals were in short supply of pyjamas for children to wear rather than hospital gowns.
Last year 12,202 pairs were donated and distributed to 62 hospitals, hospices and refuges.
For hospitals to accept the pyjamas, they must fit these guidelines:
- They must be brand new
- Preferably sealed but not wrapped, as the hospitals will have to check them
- Please avoid Christmas pyjamas, as hospitals will use these all year round
- Please avoid fleecy pyjamas, as hospitals are often quite warm
- Boys & Girls, Newborn to age 18 (young adult).
If you are unsure of what pyjamas to get, the charity has put together an Amazon wishlist with some options, available here.
The collection runs from now until 6th December, after which they will be delivered to the hospitals.
This year the charity is collecting in Greater Manchester, with pyjamas to be distributed at Tameside General Hospital, MRI Hospital For Children and Stepping Hill Hospital.
There are currently collection points at Blooms and Balloons (Haughton Green Road, Denton) and Karma Hair and Beauty (Rupert Street, Reddish), with more to be added soon. You can also arrange a collection by emailing hospitalpjs@gmail.com.
Andrew Gwynne said:
“This is a fantastic initiative, which I fully support.
“Being poorly in hospital is difficult for anybody, but can be particularly difficult for children. Having nice new pyjamas rather than a hospital gown makes this just a bit easier.
“I’m delighted that Children’s Hospital Pyjamas is now collecting for Greater Manchester hospitals and would encourage everyone to make donations if they are able to.”