BRADFORD'S hospitals are set to sparkle this Winter in a festive fundraising appeal to raise thousands for the NHS.

Bradford Hospitals’ Charity is inviting businesses, schools, families and individuals to sponsor a giant snowflake which will light up Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke's Hospital.

The NHS Hospital Heroes Appeal was launched in March this year to support patients and staff from Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who are impacted by Covid-19.

So far, more than £300,000 has been donated to the appeal, which has been used to fund additional specialist equipment needed during the pandemic, as well as items to support staff wellbeing and patients in hospital.

All money raised will go to the NHS Hospital Heroes Appeal in what is set to be a special thank you to NHS staff.

The fund will be used to enhance the experience of patients and their families during difficult times.

With every giant snowflake, there will be attached festive name tag recognising the sponsor.

The snowflakes will be switched on in front of a virtual audience with an official live-streamed switch on.

It is hoped the event will give a much-needed boost to staff and visitors as scientists predict a tough Winter period for the NHS.

Hayley Collis, the head of fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “This has been an incredibly difficult year for our Trust – both staff and patients – so we’re really looking forward to spreading some sparkle and festive cheer this Christmas with this exciting snowflake appeal.

“The snowflakes will brighten up our hospitals and put a smile on everyone’s faces during the cold, winter evenings, when we need it the most.

“If you would like to join us in saying thank you to our staff, who have given so much this year, and if you would like to give a gift to the NHS this Christmas, then sponsoring a snowflake is an ideal way to do this.”

Anyone can sponsor a snowflake, starting at £500.

To reserve your snowflake, or to find out more, please call the charity office on 01274 274809 or email charity@bthft.nhs.uk

Alternatively, visit the charity website at https://bradfordhospitalscharity.org/snowflake

Sponsors will be asked for: a company name, a name for the tag, name, address, mobile number, email address and whether you would like to choose a medium or large sized snowflake.

An appeal has also been launched for uniform help for Bradford hospital staff, specifically mask extenders and scrubs/uniform wash bags.

The mask extenders stop PPE from causing ear sores while bags are helpful for those worried about infecting their family.

Bradford Hospitals’ Charity is looking for the district’s knitters and sewers to get creative The charity tweeted: “Calling all knitters and sewers! We need your help! Our staff are in need of more mask extenders and scrubs/uniform wash bags.”

If you think you or someone you know can help, knitters and sewers are invited to call Bradford Hospitals' Charity on 01274 274809 or email via charity@bthft.nhs.uk