Ambulance Clinician Aims to Make Toy Appeal Her Biggest Yet for Peterborough Children’s Ward

An East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust clinician is on a mission to spread festive cheer to young patients at Peterborough City Hospital, and she’s hoping this year’s toy donation drive will break her previous record.

Polly Hurst, an Emergency Medical Technician based out of Peterborough, launched her annual appeal in 2023 to collect toys for children staying on the Amazon Ward.

Since then, the response has been incredible, with 183 gifts donated in the first year, and 192 in 2024. Now Polly is determined to make 2025 the biggest yet.

Polly said: “I see poorly children all year round. I understand the pressure and emotional strain on both the children and their parents, so this is my way of giving something back at this time of year.”

Donations don’t need to be gift-wrapped, but toys must be new or boxed, and any soft toys should have their original tags. Books in good condition are welcome, as well as gifts suitable for teenagers.

If you would like to help but don’t have spare toys, you can donate via the ward’s Amazon wishlist (donations are sent straight to the ward).

All donations need to reach Polly by Saturday 20 December. To arrange a drop-off, please contact Polly at: Polly.hurst@eastamb.nhs.uk