Girl collects Christmas gifts for kids in hospital

Amelia (L) and her family are bringing Christmas joy to hospitals

A 10-year-old girl is on a mission to spread Christmas joy to children spending the festive period at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Amelia, from Kingswinford, was born with a rare congenital heart condition, and spent Christmas 2023 in hospital while waiting for a heart transplant.

She was later moved to The Freeman's Hospital in Newcastle, where she received the new organ in April last year.

Amelia, who is giving back to both hospitals by collecting as many gifts as possible for the wards she spent her time on, said: "We want to put smiles on children's faces because I know it's hard spending Christmas in a hospital bed."

Amelia's dad, Justin, said seeing his little girl in hospital during a time where the family should be at home celebrating was upsetting.

"It was stressful at times because I was still in full time work as well. My wife was up and down with school.

"The nurses and doctors were superb though," he said.

The pair thought of the idea after realising the many families that struggled to give gifts.

"I was still working whilst Amelia was in hospital, so I could buy presents, luckily. But it's hard being in hospital at the best of times, nevermind Christmas," Justin added.

Amelia wanted to make sure other children in hospital enjoyed Christmas.

"[I remember] it was a bit hard because there wasn't any space but there was a Santa walking past giving out presents in the hospital," she said.

The family are asking for donations of books and arts and craft supplies that would be suitable for younger children of any gender.

"We just want to make people smile," Amelia said.