The Royal London Hospital is asking for east Londoners to pull on their pyjamas to support families with sick children.
The Sick Children’s Trust’s Pyjama Party is where youngsters are sponsored to go to school in their PJs for a fun-filled day of activities to raise money for their free accommodation service.
The trust’s Stevenson House, inside the hospital on Whitechapel Road, provides specialist treatment for seriously ill children.
The event is being backed by Dave Plane and Lesa Bennett, from Essex, whose first-born child, Broderick, was treated at Stevenson House following a traumatic birth last year.
The pair have since raised more than £2,000 for Stevenson House in appreciation for the support they gave the family at the time.
“Stevenson House meant we could be with Brody at any time we wanted to. We could read him bedtime stories, visit him at all hours and take every step with him,” said Dave.
“If it wasn’t for Stevenson House, we would’ve felt like we’d abandoned Brody by travelling back home every day.
“It was invaluable. Although we couldn’t do as much as a normal mum and dad could, we were able to do some of the things and give our son all the attention and positive energy he needed.”
In total the trust runs 10 ‘Homes from Home’ across the country, three of which are located in London, and they all rely on donations to run their services.
“Dave and Lesa have been incredible supporters of The Sick Children’s Trust since they have left Stevenson House,” said Stevenson House manager, Alan Booth.
“The money they have raised for us has been brilliant as it costs the charity around £30 to support a family for one night in one of our ‘Homes from Homes’.
“The Sick Children’s Trust completely relies on voluntary donations to keep the houses running, so if you can join in with the Pyjama Party this October we would be very grateful for your support.”
Channel 5 presenter Jen Pringle has also added her voice to the campaign and called on nurseries and play groups across the country to get involved.
The Pyjama Party week begins on Monday, October 17, to Friday, October 21.
For more information on the Pyjama Party visit bit.ly/2bpm0ls.
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