Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity have launched their annual Christmas Toy Appeal.

The appeal is intended for local people to gift an item or two to young patients - using an Amazon Wish List.

Last year nearly one hundred toys, games, and gifts of arts and crafts were given to the children’s wards across the hospitals.

The wish list has been put together by the hospitals’ Play Specialists and plans to provide a welcome distraction and raise a smile.

A spokesperson at the charity said: “The toys and games keep their young patients entertained and relaxed over Christmas.”

As well as this, the gifts have been carefully selected to ensure strict infection control standards are maintained.

Play Specialist Emily King, said: “We know that coming into hospital can be quite upsetting for our young patients, especially at Christmas, but with your help we can make it a bit brighter.

“We do also appreciate that the festive season is already an expensive time of year and that Covid has impacted many people financially, so of course we’re only inviting people to support the appeal if they have something to spare.

“Please feel free to write a message, or to let us know if you have a preference for which children’s ward it goes to, otherwise we will ensure all gifts and evenly distributed.”

You can find the wish list here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/366A7GXO1GJLA