By ANISAH ARIF
A number of presents were delivered to children who spent Christmas in hospital this year.
Charity campaigner Nazim Ali dropped off gifts at Airedale General Hospital as part of his third annual gift giving initiative.
The presents which range from toys to play sets, baby’s toys and DVDs, were handed out to children on Christmas Day.
Mr Ali hands them out to mark both Christmas and the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
Mr Ali runs the gift-giving as he spent time in hospital as a child suffering with tuberculosis, and said he empathises with the children.
He said: “To date hundreds of gifts have been distributed from my 16 visits to Children’s Wards, and those hundreds of smiles of innocent poorly children has certainly enriched me and humbled me.
“It was a gesture of kindness and to show that members of the wider community do care and think about them and ultimately uplift their spirits. The gifts are for all children in the ward irrespective of faith.”
In the past, Mr Ali has delivered gifts to Bradford Royal Infirmary, but this is first presentation to Airedale, which he plans to work with more in the future.
Katrina Embleton, a play specialist at Airedale, said: “A big thank you to Nazim for his amazing support.
“The gifts will make a huge difference and cheer the poorly children up and brings that normality for children. We look forward to their continued support.”
Mr Ali was supported in collecting the gifts by Saveco Cash and Carry in Thornbury, who have been long-running supporters of his charitable campaigns.