THIS Christmas hundreds of children will be in hospital facing cancer treatment, so here is YOUR chance to make their day by sending them a special present.
We want readers’ children of all ages to draw a festive picture so that three of those entries can be turned into limited edition Christmas wrapping paper.
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The festive wrap will be sold by our partner The Works and the proceeds will help to buy presents for kids in hospitals treating cancer, as well as go towards funding for childhood cancer specialists via our charity partner The Azaylia Foundation.
The kids who receive gifts will be just like Florence Bark, now eight, who was in hospital in December 2022 when she had a present delivered after a Sun on Sunday campaign.
Her mum Stacey says receiving the treat, thanks to the kindness of another child, meant the world to the family.
Stacey, 34, who is Florence’s full-time carer, said: “This campaign really is an amazing idea.
“I’m urging every child to get their pens and pencils out.
“The funds raised will make a difference to so many children.”
Brave Florence was only two when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia and had a bone marrow transplant.
She is now in remission but developed graft versus host disease and needs a lung transplant.
Stacey, from Corby, Northants, said: “Being in hospital was tough for Florence and her big brother Freddie.
“Having that visit from Father Christmas gave us some normality and brought some festive magic to the ward.
“It was an emotional day but one we will remember forever.”
Florence and ten-year-old Freddie are already excited about Christmas and Stacey — married to teaching consultant Andrew, 36 — says: “We know just how lucky we are to have her.”
Entering our competition is easy.
We want children to draw or paint a picture featuring their favourite things about the festive time of year.
It could be a picture of Santa, a robin, a snow scene or the gifts they hope Father Christmas brings.
There will be three age categories: five and under, six to ten, and 11 to 16.
The contest will be judged by a panel led by Ashley Cain and Safiyya Vorajee, who lost their daughter Azaylia to childhood cancer at just eight months old.
Azaylia was two months old when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia.
Former Coventry City winger Ashley and Safiyya raised more than £1.5million to fund specialist treatment but Azaylia lost her battle in April 2021.
The pair went on to create The Azaylia Foundation in her memory and Safiyya said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with The Sun on Sunday and The Works.
“I can’t wait to see what designs children come up with.”
Lynne Tooms, from The Works, said: “We are delighted to partner with The Sun on Sunday for this wonderful campaign that will help to bring joy and happiness to seriously ill children and their families this Christmas.”
Once the winning entries have been decided, the pictures will be turned into eco-friendly recyclable paper by British firm A Local Printer and sold in more than 500 The Works stores across the UK as well as online.
Giving a great tip, Nick Brine, who runs A Local Printer, added: “Simple designs in bright colours are best for printing.”
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How to enter
1. DRAW a festive picture on A4 paper using pencils or pen, either landscape or portrait.
2. EMAIL a clear, close-up photo of the picture to [email protected] with the heading CHRISTMAS.
3. THE competition ends THIS FRIDAY, September 27.
4. INCLUDE your name and a few words about why your child entered. You must include a telephone number.
5. STATE your child’s age. There are three categories: Five and under, six to ten, and 11 to 16.
6. KEEP your original artwork safe in case it is one of the lucky winners and needs to be scanned for use.
Ts&Cs apply