Amy’s ambitious Christmas present list

Amy Uprichard is determined to help children who will be spending the festive holiday in hospital and so has launched a Christmas Toy Appeal.

Amy, who is currently in remission following a tough battle with acute myeloid leukaemia, is no stranger to spending time in hospital.

“Do you ever wonder what it would feel like to spend Christmas in hospital?” she blogged.

“I have been there.

“Last year I spent my Christmas in a hospital bed and it’s not the nicest thing. So this year I want to run a toy appeal for sick children who have to spend their Christmas in hospital.

“Imagine the little smiles that we could put on their faces and how much brighter their Christmas might be with receiving a little extra toy this Christmas.”

Amy hopes to collect toys to donate to a variety of children’s wards across various hospitals in Northern Ireland and ‘create lots of smiles everywhere’.

She has set up a number of collection points.

“I am extremely excited to announce that one of our big drop off points is the Coach Banbridge,” said Amy.

“If you could drop off any gifts into the Coach Bar then they will be safely put away and I will collect them .

“I really appreciate the Coach for their generosity in sponsoring their premises in help for our appeal. Without having them this would be much more difficult.”

Other drop off points include Charles Gilmore Fine Art Dealers in Belfast, Elizabeth Jayne House of Beauty in Lurgan, and Dynamique Dancewear Lurgan.

A lot of gifts have already come rolling in from businesses and individuals and Amy is extremely excited that Lurgan College has chosen to support her appeal.

“It is amazing to see the community coming together in support of sick children here in our home country who need the support and comfort this Christmas time,” said Amy.

“As they say, charity begins at home, so let’s really show our love and support for those who need it most, and we can put a little smile on these kids’ faces.

“If there are any other schools, clubs or businesses who would like to get involved please do get in contact with me. We would really appreciate your support and anyone willing to collect toys in your area please contact me to let me know as I would appreciate any help in this appeal.

“I have a feeling this will be amazing and we will make so many children smile this Christmas.”

To find out more or become involved in Amy’s appeal, see ‘Amy’s Blog’ on Facebook or email [email protected].