With Christmas just around the corner this is the perfect opportunity to spread some festive cheer to the young patients in our care at LGT. We are inviting local communities to support our appeal by donating toys for children at University Hospital Lewisham (UHL) and Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), who will be spending Christmas in hospital instead of at home with their families.

The Trust are also thrilled that Lewisham Shopping Centre has chosen this year’s appeal as their charity partner for this festive season!

Robert Cole, Head of Nursing for Children and Young People said: “It’s always wonderful to see the generosity people show towards our younger patients at this time of year. Every child and younger patient in hospital deserves to enjoy a little festive magic and our local communities really take us to their hearts. We see the difference it makes and anything you can spare is sincerely appreciated. Thank you.”      

How, and what, to donate:

• We welcome new toys in the original packaging for our young patients aged 0-16
• Great gifts include things like: baby toys, new children’s books, educational toys, sensory items, arts and crafts sets, board games and toiletries gift sets
• Toys can be dropped off at University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s main receptions, between 10am and 3pm, each day until 22 December
• Donations can also be made at the ‘Giving Box’ in Central Square at Lewisham Shopping Centre.

• Please don’t wrap the gifts – we’re also sorry but we can’t accept cuddly toys, for infection prevention reasons
• Donations can also be made online via our LGT Charity website with all funds raised being ring-fenced for the toy appeal: Christmas Toy Appeal 2025 | Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust Charity

Margarita Vidiella, Head of Charity and Volunteers said: “We’re excited to open our 2025 Christmas Toy Appeal which is the perfect way for people to spread some festive joy and show support for our younger patients. Your kindness will help us make Christmas in hospital a little less challenging for the children and families we have with us here at LGT. We’re also thrilled to have been adopted as this year’s charity partner for the Lewisham Shopping Centre – you’ll see us there fundraising, along with Biskers, our floofy, friendly Charity Mascot, so please come over to say hello, get some photos and find out more!”

Official partners of the Lewisham Shopping Centre Christmas 2025 charity appeal!

Paul Redden, Centre Director at Lewisham Shopping Centre, said: “The festive season is a time of togetherness and community, where everyone deserves to feel loved and cared for, which is why it’s a real pleasure to be supporting University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital this year.

“We can’t wait to raise awareness and donations, and most importantly some festive happiness for the younger patients within the Lewisham and Greenwich area. We know all the generous gift donations will help make a real difference and bring a little joy to those who need it most this Christmas.”