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Date of release: 13th December 2024
Children benefit from £1,000 donation and toys
A generous mum and daughter have helped raised £1,000 for Wolverhampton’s Children’s Ward and donated a host of toys and equipment to give young patients a happy Christmas.
Debbie Stanesby, 62, and Hayley Parsons, 36, who own the Dress Store Boutique in Claregate, decided to devote their annual charity collection to poorly children through The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) Charity.
They appealed on social media to fellow local businesses in Claregate, Codsall and Tettenhall for raffle prizes, held a bake sale and invited customers to donate items, and were overwhelmed by people’s generosity.
People also bought bed socks and blankets, to ensure teenage patients can receive a gift too.
“Mum said she wanted to take Christmas back to what it’s about, which is being kind, considerate and giving,” said mum of two Hayley, who with Debbie celebrates the shop’s fifth anniversary this month.
“We have spoken to hundreds of people over the last few weeks, and we were blown away by how much people donated.
“Not just that, but also by how much people say New Cross Hospital is a credit to the city.
“The feedback about the Trust was constantly positive – no one had a bad word to say about it.”
Hayley’s sons aged five and 10 were both born at New Cross, while Debbie recently attended the Heart and Lung Centre for investigations into her heart, another reason for giving back.
“We held a bake sale in the store and it was a lovely day. It brought up a lot of people’s experiences of being in hospital,” added Hayley.
“I’ve got a friend with a son who has leukaemia and she said the children get bored in hospital so we asked people to collect toys.
“As part of that we wanted to raise some money, with a target of £500 to begin with.
“My mum has worked so hard on this, working into the evenings and ringing loads of people.”
Kirsty Lewis, Senior Matron for Children’s Services, said: “Children on our ward are going to have a better Christmas thanks to this wonderful donation – thanks so much to Hayley, Debbie and everyone who has donated.”
Amie Rogers, Fundraising and Lead Digital Engagement Officer for the RWT Charity, said: “Hayley and Debbie have really pushed the boat out with their amazing donations of money and toys – we’re extremely grateful.”