AN APPEAL to get Christmas gifts to children in local hospitals is making ‘a final push’.

Mel Metcalfe, from Otley, has been running the Yorkshire Children’s Hospitals Christmas Gift Appeal - with the support of local residents and businesses - since 2012.

Over the years the campaign has collected and delivered thousands of presents to babies, children and teenagers in hospitals and hospices across Yorkshire during each festive period.

Preparations for this Christmas, however, have been hampered due to an illness among the team so Mel is appealing for some final support to get them ‘over the line’.

She said: “Each year we take in gift donations to children’s hospices and hospitals across Yorkshire, starting with Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Airedale and going as far as we can with the donations we receive.

“We also like to assist a couple of families in need too. Our team have been fundraising for months and our pleas to our wonderful community to get in 600 selection packs and gifts for the Martin House and Forget Me Not children’s hospices’ Christmas parties have been incredibly successful.

“We have had so much support from local people, businesses and schools and we are so grateful. Now is our last push for donations - due to one of our organisers children being quite poorly we was unable to start the appeal as early as we have in previous years and this has left us playing catch-up to try get enough donations in for the local baby, children’s and teenagers wards.

“If anyone can see their way to kindly donate a gift for a youngster, no matter how small, it will guarantee a beautiful smile on a brave young face this Christmas.”

Donations can be dropped off at a number of locations in Otley, including: Puffin Pottery on Boroughgate; Buttercups in Westgate Arcade; Physio Logic on Beech Hill; Otley Core on Orchard Gate; Costa Coffee on Kirkgate; and the Stew and oyster, on Manor Square.

There are also drop-off points in points in Guiseley, Yeadon, Addingham and Ilkley - for more details send a text to 07749 746190.

The final date for donations is Friday, December 20 and the appeal is also keen to hear from anyone who could help with deliveries. Mel added: “We would like to thank all the wonderful people, businesses and schools who have supported our appeal so far.

“Christmas is a time for appreciating those around us, letting others know that are cared for and spreading a little love, joy and happiness. It is hard for a youngster be in hospital at any time of year but especially at Christmas when they are separated from their family.”

“Any and all donations are very much appreciated.” For more details visit the appeal’s Facebook page.