North Pole calling - Northamptonshire Elf Service Asks County to Help 2,000 Patients Facing Christmas in Hospital
Northamptonshire Health Charity is asking local people, businesses, schools and community groups to help fundraise and bring the joy of Christmas to around 2,000 people across the county expected to spend Christmas Day in hospital.
The Charity’s Elf Service, now in its third year, provides specially designed gift boxes for patients spending Christmas on wards at Northampton General Hospital, Kettering General Hospital and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, along with festive treats for over 3000 NHS staff working throughout the holiday period.
The appeal also helps fund Christmas parties for children and young people who come to hospital as outpatients, including young oncology patients and children and young people with type 1 diabetes.
Last Christmas, Linda, from Northampton, received one of the gift boxes while recovering in hospital following major surgery. She said:
"Even though I had my husband and son with me, I woke up on Christmas Day and still felt quite lonely. When I opened the gift box, I cried. It was beautifully wrapped, with socks, chocolate mints and a pack of cards. My husband and I played cards that evening. It was overwhelming to know people cared."
Just £10 will provide a festive gift box for a patient. There are three ways to help. People can donate, organise their own festive fundraiser (from Christmas jumper days and bake sales to carol concerts and workplace events), or enter the charity’s Christmas Raffle of Joy. Tickets cost £2, with sales closing on 8th January 2027. The draw takes place on 14th January 2027.
Alfie Dutfield-Wright, Head of Fundraising at Northamptonshire Health Charity, said:
"Nobody wants to spend Christmas in hospital, but for around 2,000 local people it will be a reality this year. A small gift may seem simple, but for someone spending Christmas away from home it can mean the world. Whether you donate, hold a festive fundraiser or buy a raffle ticket, you'll be helping make a difficult day a little brighter for patients and the staff caring for them."
Prizes include:
First Prize: £2,000 cash
Second Prize: Seven-night self-catered holiday (kindly donated by RCI), a luxury Rimowa suitcase and £250 spending money
Third Prize: £200 cash
Five runner-up prizes: £50 vouchers
Last year’s first prize winner, Beverly, said:
"I was excited, speechless and completely in disbelief. Winning just before Christmas made it even more special. Taking part felt meaningful because I knew I was supporting a wonderful cause."