Hucks to deliver Christmas cheer at NNUH
Monday 20th December promises to be a magical day and one to remember as Norwich City legend, Darren Huckerby – with a little help from Santa of course – will be springing a surprise visit and delivering some wonderful Christmas gifts to young patients and staff at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital.
Under the auspices of his new charity, The Darren Huckerby Trust, Hucks will be spending a few hours on Monday morning touring several wards including the Jenny Lind Children’s Unit, where he will be spending time with some of the patients who will be spending this Christmas in hospital.
Hucks will also be visiting families and staff in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which is currently seeking to expand with a £500,000 fundraising project – the ‘Norwich Cots for Tots’ appeal aims to fund building work, cots and new equipment for the 850 critically ill or premature babies that the Unit looks after every year.
If you would like to donate online to the Norwich Cots for Tots appeal please visit www.justgiving.com/norwichnico
Hucks says: “This is my Trust’s first major project and was inspired by my days at Norwich City, when the players used to visit the children in hospital at Christmas. Since leaving the Club, I’ve taken up these visits independently in an effort to lift the children’s spirits, as many are away from their families and having a really tough time of it. I’ve always wanted to offer more though and with two young children of my own, this is very close to my heart, so I hope this visit will put a huge smile on their faces.”
John Adams, Trading Director for Jarrold, says: “Having recently celebrated our 240th year of trading, we are delighted to be involved and show our support for The Darren Huckerby Trust Christmas Gift Appeal. As a family business, we are passionate about supporting the local community through initiatives such as this. From the shop-floor to the senior management, everyone has got involved with planning, sorting, wrapping and packing the many fantastic presents that Darren and Santa will be giving out.”
About the Darren Huckerby Trust:
Since his arrival in Norwich in September 2003, Canaries’ legend, Darren Huckerby, has not only remained a favourite amongst the fans, but has consistently shown an active interest in supporting community events and in contributing to good causes across the County.
However, Darren realised that he could make an even more positive impact to the lives of local people by doing things a little differently. “I've always found it hard to do everything that I'd like to when it comes to community and charitable work. Also, it's sometimes hard to see where the money goes, and who is actually benefitting from my involvement in certain events.”
With the establishment of The Darren Huckerby Trust, he now hopes to make some tangible contributions to the lives of local people who are in real need, with the Trust providing support for local charities, community projects and individuals across the County of Norfolk.
If you would like to donate online, visit www.darrenhuckerbytrust.co.uk or, to get involved with the Trust, please contact Darren using enquiries@darrenhuckerbytrust.co.uk
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITOR:
• Release issued by Carl West Kiss Marketing – 01603 305811 or 07717755825
• Any members of the press looking to attend on Monday morning MUST contact NNUH Communications team in advance on 01603 287634
• Photo opportunities will be available at 0900 hrs for the arrival of Santa and Hucks – please head for the West In-Patient reception as your meeting point….follow the signs for Maternity Wards as you approach the hospital
• Members of the press will be able to accompany Darren and Santa from 0930 hrs as they visit several wards with children, staff and some elderly patients
• 0930 hrs tour starts with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit followed by Buxton Ward and Jenny Lind Children’s Unit
• Darren will be available for personal interviews before or after the tour of wards
• Any child photographs/interviews will require parental consent