THERE are a few days remaining for businesses and individuals across Bradford to show their support for the NHS by sponsoring a snowflake.

Bradford Hospitals’ Charity – the official NHS charity partner of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – is running its Snowflake Appeal again this year to raise money to buy gifts for children and long-stay patients in hospital over the festive period.

The snowflake lights will adorn Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital and can be sponsored for £500 for a standard sized light and £1,000 for a larger one.

They will have an official switch on, on December 8, with the names of the businesses, organisations and families who have sponsored a snowflake on display in each entrance, along with any dedications.

There is also a virtual snowflake display online.

Anyone wishing to sponsor a snowflake should contact Bradford Hospitals’ Charity by midnight on Sunday, November 28.

Hayley Collis, head of fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “The snowflake lights are a beautiful way to show your appreciation for our NHS. Some of our sponsors choose to dedicate their light to a loved-one and others simply want to thank our staff for their dedication during the pandemic.

“Whatever your reason for sponsoring a snowflake, your twinkling light will brighten up our hospitals and your donation will ensure we can put a smile on the faces of our patients who are separated from their families this Christmas because they are in hospital.”

So far, the following businesses and groups have sponsored a snowflake: Whitaker and Leach, Northern Mechanical Services Ltd, Yorkshire Electrical Services (in loving memory of Barbara and Allan Newall), Baker & Baker, Babyballet Bradford, Telegraph & Argus, Decco Graphics, Tilbury Douglas Construction Ltd, and Trevor Iles Ltd. The following have a snowflake dedicated to them in recognition of their generous donations and fundraising efforts: The Broadway Bradford and the Walker family in memory of Axl Walker.

If you or your business, organisation, or family would like to sponsor a snowflake, please call the charity office on 01274 274809, email charity@bthft.nhs.uk or complete a reservation form at bradfordhospitalscharity.org/christmas/snowflakes/.