We at The Paul Strank Charitable Trust are holding our Annual Christmas Appeal in association with the AFC Wimbledon Foundation. We are raising money to fund equipment for Shooting Star Children's Hospices and also collecting toys for the Children's Wing at St George's Hospital.

The equipment we are hoping to fund includes Oxygen Machines and also Specialist Beds and Cuddle Cots, Cold Blankets (which gives the bereaved families a chance to say goodbye in their own time - here is a link showing what they are https://www.hey.nhs.uk/news/2018/05/15/portable-cold-cots-help-bereaved-families-take-their-babies-home/). The Oxygen Machines allow the life-limited children freedom of movement within the Hospices, so that they are no longer bound to a bed or wheelchair and can play and move around. They also give the families the choice to take their child home to die in the peace and comfort of their own home, surrounded by family and friends, should they wish to.

Axel's Story

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This video tells the story of Axel, a young boy who was just 9 months old when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. As you can see the support that Shooting Star Children's Hospice gave was of immense comfort to Axel and his sister and parents throughout Axel's illness and after he sadly passed away.

The equipment we are funding is a key part of the Hospice's service and it is hard to express just now much of a difference it can make to the life of the child being cared for, and also the families who have to deal with the loss of their child. Any contribution is gratefully received.

For those who wish to donate Toys and Vouchers for the children at St George's Children's Ward, and bring some Christmas Cheer and smiles to children suffering from illness or disability. Christmas is a special time of year for everyone, but is especially challenging for the children being cared for at St George's and their families. The toys donated will bring a bright spark of joy to these children so they can enjoy Christmas despite their ailments.

The AFC Wimbledon Foundation will be manning a Toys Collection point by the side of the Dons Trust kiosk before the home games against Gillingham on Sat November 23rd and Doncaster Rovers on Sat 14th December between 1.00 2.45pm. Any toys donated for 0 14 year old's must be new and in their original wrapping or boxes to be accepted by the hospital. Aside from this, we will also be collecting toys and vouchers at two locations:

The Paul Strank Charitable Trust, 22 Weir Road, Wimbledon, SW19 8UG

AFC Wimbledon, Jack Goodchild Way, 422a Kingston Road, Kingston, KT1 3PB

The AFC Wimbledon Foundation as well as some AFC Wimbledon Players will be visiting St George's on 16th December to deliver the toys and gifts. Any toys donated after this point will be taken with us to Shooting Stars Children's Hospice which we are visiting on 20th December for our annual Christmas Party.

Thank you for your support!