City staff will be ‘spreading some sparkle’ on Friday December 14 to show their support for Axl Walker.
The Bradford Hospitals’ Charity is urging people to do something sparkly and donate money to fund toys and specialist play equipment for children in hospital.
The campaign, ‘Spread Some Sparkle For Axl’ was created for one of the Bradford Royal Infirmary’s (BRI) regular patients, Axl Walker.
Axl suffered from a rare blood disorder and needed monthly blood transfusions and two bone marrow transplants.
Unfortunately, Axl passed away three days before his third birthday earlier this year.
His mother, Claire Gearie (pictured above on the right), and Axl's older brother, Lucas, launched the campaign at The Broadway Bradford, to coincide with the shopping centre’s Christmas light switch-on and launch of the #SparklingBradford campaign.
Claire, of Wibsey, Bradford, is proud to be keeping her son’s memory alive by raising money to help other young people who are in hospital.
The campaign is being run by Bradford Hospitals’ Charity who raise vital funds needed to make a real difference to all who use our hospitals’ services, offering them the best experience possible.
The charity is urging people to hold a ‘Spread some Sparkle for Axl Day’ on Friday December 14 by wearing something sparkly or trimming up their work place/school with sparkly donations, while donating to Axl’s Toy Fund JustGiving page.
The money raised from the campaign will provide young patients with play equipment, distraction toys and activity sessions which has a strong influence on a patients wellbeing and helps their recovery.
All businesses, families and friends are invited to take part in this special tribute to Axl and help raise funds for the Bradford Hospitals!
If you want to join and ‘Spread some Sparkle for Axl’, get in touch and register your fundraising event by CLICKING HERE.
If you can’t take part on this Friday, don’t worry! The Club are inviting supporters to wear some sparkle on Saturday December 15 - when the Bantams face Walsall (3.00pm).
Hayley Collis, head of fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “We are thrilled to have the support of Bradford City in our Sparkle for Axl Christmas campaign!
"Bradford City is a real family football club and so it’s wonderful that we can join forces to raise money in memory of such popular little boy.
“We would be delighted if City fans would show their support at the Walsall game on Saturday December 15 - by raising their phone torches to make the stadium sparkle for Axl!”
The Bantams will be visiting the BRI and St Luke's Hospital in the lead up to Christmas.
If anyone would like to donate any toys or treats for the players to give to the children when they visit, please contact the Club on 01274 773355 or visit the 1911 Reception.
Whilst supporting the campaign, we are also celebrating 70 years of the National Health Service by giving staff the chance to watch our next two home games for just £5 per fixture!
Any active member of NHS staff is invited to purchase a maximum of two hugely-discounted tickets, meaning you and a family member or friend can enjoy Sky Bet League One action for only £10. Click here for more information.
If you wish to donate to Axl’s Toy Fund, CLICK HERE.