Lauren's story
Spreading Christmas magic to children in hospital.
In the lead up to Christmas 2025, Lauren rallied her workplace to collect toys for children spending the festive season in the Highland Children’s Unit at Raigmore Hospital. For Lauren, this was more than a goodwill gesture. It was a way to give back after her own family experienced the kindness and magic of the ward the previous year.
Over Christmas 2024, Lauren, her partner and their little girl, Harper, spent nearly a week in the children’s ward. It was an incredibly difficult time for the family, but the atmosphere on the ward brought unexpected comfort and joy.
Lauren shared what encouraged her to support NHS Highland:
“We were inspired to help support the NHS, particularly the children’s ward at Raigmore Hospital because over the Christmas period in 2024 last year, myself, my partner and my little girl Harper spent nearly a week on the children’s ward. We were absolutely blown away by the amount of gifts, Christmas spirit and overall joy that was on the children’s ward over the holiday period. The staff were all absolutely incredible as well as everyone who came in throughout the week to donate gifts to the children. Harper had only just turned one at the time so didn’t even know what Christmas was but the amount of effort and joy really did make a huge difference to us, her parents and family. We couldn’t believe the magic that was created on Christmas Eve with Santa himself delivering presents to the end of every bed and all the staff wearing Christmas pyjamas. We truly can’t thank everyone involved enough. You made our Christmas so magical even at the worst time.”
Those memories stayed with Lauren. She wanted other families, particularly those facing fear or uncertainty, to feel the same warmth and sense of care that her family received. Lauren explained why supporting local healthcare matters to her, saying:
“We want to help contribute to the magic we received last Christmas. Every child deserves to have a wonderful Christmas no matter their circumstances or health.”
Her workplace collection brought together colleagues who were eager to help make a difference. Together, they donated toys that will bring joy, distraction and comfort to children who may be spending Christmas away from home. Lauren encourages others to get involved too:
“Do it. There is always room for more help and every little thing can help make a huge difference. It’s important to help support all the wonderful staff at Raigmore Hospital.”
Catherine Myles, Charity Lead Officer for the Highland Health Board Endowment Funds, the official charity of NHS Highland, shared her appreciation for Lauren’s support:
“Lauren’s toy collection will bring so much happiness to children spending Christmas in the Highland Children’s Unit. A hospital stay can feel especially difficult during the festive season, and thoughtful donations like these help create moments of joy for families when they need it most. We are incredibly grateful to Lauren and her colleagues for choosing to give back in such a meaningful way.”
