Six-year-old Formby boy launches heartwarming Christmas appeal to bring smiles to children at Alder Hey
A little boy from Formby has a very big Christmas wish this year, and he is hoping the kindness and generosity of our wonderful community will help make it come true.
Six-year-old Arlo, who lives in Formby and attends a local primary school, has launched a heartwarming Christmas appeal to ensure that as many children as possible spending Christmas at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital receive a brand new pair of Christmas pyjamas.
His wonderful initiative, called Arlo’s Christmas PJ Appeal, has already received an incredible response from local families, and now Arlo and his mum, Melissa, are hoping to spread the Christmas kindness across Formby, Sefton and the wider Liverpool community.
For the past five years, Arlo has been under the care of the Burns Unit and Plastics Team at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Throughout that time, he and his family have experienced the exceptional care, compassion and dedication of the hospital’s staff.
Now, at just six years old, Arlo wants to give something back to the hospital that has done so much for him.
The idea for the appeal came after Arlo and his mum discovered that some children spending Christmas in hospital may not have a new pair of Christmas pyjamas to wear on Christmas Eve.
For many families, putting on matching Christmas pyjamas has become a much-loved tradition, marking the excitement of Christmas Eve and the anticipation of Christmas morning.
But for children who are unwell and unable to spend Christmas at home, the festive season can be very different. Arlo wants to change that, one pair of pyjamas at a time.
From a few school parents to a citywide Christmas appeal…
Alder Hey already runs a wonderful PJ Day Appeal, encouraging schools to organise pyjama days and raise donations for the hospital.
However, not every school is able to participate, and Arlo and his mum wanted to find another way to help.
What started as a simple conversation with a few parents at Arlo’s school quickly grew into something much bigger.
Melissa explained: “We started by asking a few parents at Arlo’s school if they would be willing to donate, and every single one was happy to help.”
“We were so touched by everyone’s kindness that we thought, why stop there?”
“With the support of Arlo’s school, we decided to try to get the whole school involved and then we thought… WHY NOT ASK THE WHOLE OF LIVERPOOL?!”
With the support of his school and the generosity of local families, Arlo’s Christmas wish is now becoming a community appeal that everyone can get involved in.
Making Christmas a little brighter for children in hospital
While thousands of children across Merseyside will be spending Christmas Eve at home with their families, opening presents, watching Christmas films and preparing for Santa’s arrival, others will be spending the festive period receiving treatment in hospital.
For those children and their parents, even the smallest gesture of kindness can mean so much.
Melissa said: “Our little boy has a big Christmas wish, to help make sure as many children as possible at Alder Hey have a lovely new pair of pyjamas to wake up in on Christmas morning.”
“Some of these children and their families will be spending Christmas in hospital instead of at home, and if we can bring even a little bit of comfort, happiness and Christmas magic to them, it will mean the world.”
“When we are all sitting at home on Christmas Eve with our families, all dressed in matching pyjamas, there are children in hospital who won’t have Christmas Eve pyjamas.”
It is a simple idea, but one that could make a very special difference to children facing a difficult Christmas.
Don Luigi’s in Formby offers to help
Arlo’s appeal has already received some wonderful support from the local community…
Don Luigi’s Italian Restaurant in Formby has kindly offered to become an official collection point for the appeal.
Anyone wishing to donate a pair of brand new Christmas pyjamas can drop them off at the restaurant on any day throughout November.
The family has expressed their heartfelt thanks to everyone at Don Luigi’s for supporting the initiative and helping make it easier for local residents to get involved.
How you can support Arlo’s Christmas PJ Appeal
There are several ways to help make Arlo’s Christmas wish come true.
Donate new Christmas pyjamas
The appeal is collecting brand new pyjamas for children aged 0 to 16 years.
All donated pyjamas must be new.
Drop off your donation in Formby
Don Luigi’s Italian Restaurant in Formby will be accepting donations throughout November.
Make a monetary donation
Anyone who would prefer to make a financial contribution can donate through PayPal using:
Every penny donated will be used to purchase new pyjamas for the children. Any money remaining after the pyjamas have been purchased will be donated to Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
Arrange a collection
Arlo’s mum, Melissa, is also happy to arrange collection of donated pyjamas.
She can be contacted on 07733 204069.
Help spread the word
Even if you are unable to donate, sharing the appeal with friends, family, colleagues and local businesses could help it reach more people.
One little boy, one very special Christmas wish
Melissa is keen to emphasise that the family understands how difficult things are financially for many households.
There is absolutely no pressure to donate, and every act of kindness, no matter how small, will be appreciated.
She said: “We know times are difficult for so many families, and we would never expect anyone to give more than they can.”
“But even one pair of pyjamas could put the biggest smile on a little face this Christmas.”
She also spoke warmly about the incredible community spirit that makes Liverpool and its surrounding areas so special.
“Liverpool is a city like no other. Whether it’s football, community spirit or helping someone in need, we always come together when it matters most.”
“And here in Formby, we’re so proud to be part of that incredible community.”
“From one little boy in Formby to all the children at Alder Hey, let’s show them just how much love Liverpool has to give!”
Formby Bubble is proud to support Arlo
Here at Formby Bubble, we have shared many wonderful stories over the years about the kindness, generosity and community spirit of local people.
But there is something particularly touching about a six-year-old boy who, having experienced years of hospital care himself, wants to make Christmas special for other children.
Arlo’s appeal is a beautiful reminder that you don’t have to be grown up to make a difference.
Sometimes, the biggest acts of kindness begin with the smallest of hearts. We would love to see our wonderful Formby community get behind Arlo and help him achieve his Christmas wish.
Whether you donate a pair of pyjamas, make a small contribution or simply share his story, every little bit of support will help.
Let’s help this very special little boy from Formby bring some Christmas magic, comfort and happiness to children spending Christmas at Alder Hey.
As Arlo and his mum say:
“Little PJ’s, Big Smiles!”
From everyone at Formby Bubble, we wish Arlo and his family every success with their wonderful Christmas appeal.
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