Trolley dash to help hospitalised children

Business gurus are transforming their hub into a tinsel-decked toy emporium – in a bid to bring festive cheer to sick and injured babies at the Royal Oldham Hospital.
Upturn specialises in placing the often long-term unemployed into work. And it is hoping people will turn-up to their Spindles second-floor base with brand new toys to donate to youngsters spending yuletide inside a hospital ward.
Instead of a sleigh, the social enterprise wants to stuff supermarket trollies with unwrapped playthings to ensure that no child is left on the shelf on Christmas Day – as part of a North Care Charity initiative.
“This small act of kindness will mean so much to the children in need” said Maria Williams, HR Director for Upturn. “These toys will light up their smiles and help ease their pain. Let's all come together to make a difference and spread joy. It's truly inspiring to see such efforts to bring joy to those who need it most. Let's all contribute and make a positive impact."
Far from festive figures show that 13,000 under 16’s will visit emergency departments this Christmas, joining an already large throng of young long-term patients. Although heroic NHS staff and volunteers will attempt to ease pain and bring some cheer, the Christmas period can prove problematic for sick kids and their loved ones as medic and friend of Upturn Dr Anita Sharma explained.
“It is a really heartrending experience to treat the sick at Christmas time, whether you are an out-of-hours GP or a hospital surgeon. Then there is the impact it has on family” she continued, “spending this joyous time watching their loved ones suffer is so difficult and then there is concern about their other children, worried and sad when others are so happy. What gets them through? The little acts of kindness like this one.”
One expert on generosity who is backing the campaign is Muzahid Khan DL, the author of the book, “The Gift of Giving.” He added: “Most of the major religions recognise this time of year as one of light and hope and compassion for one another. These are things that charitable and community organisations such as Upturn do every single day!
The cost-of-living crisis may make it difficult for us to think beyond our own four walls, but I can assure you that would make any gift even more appreciated by those who receive.”
Throughout the year, the North Care charity funds equipment, health education support for parents, research into diseases and wellbeing backing for our local NHS. Learn more about them at
Please bring new unwrapped toys to: https://www.northcarecharity.<wbr></wbr>org/

Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre
The Management Suite
Unit 50 George Street
Oldham OL1 1HD
The donation deadline is Thursday, 19 December.

Pictured with Elmo, Paddington and Pudsey Bear is Janet Whitehead, Head of Employability and Training at Upturn.
Want to learn how Upturn can help you into work or further education? Email info@upturn.org.uk