By KLTV Newsdesk –

Train operators, emergency services and sporting stars united to bring festive cheer to young patients on 22 December

Railway staff swapped timetables for tinsel on 22 December 2025, travelling through Leeds city centre in sleighs packed with presents to deliver Christmas cheer to children at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

Festive procession through the city

The convoy departed from Leeds station shortly after 10am, making its way through the city centre under escort from West Yorkshire Police, British Transport Police and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The festive procession drew smiles from passers-by as it headed towards the hospital.

Staff from Northern, TransPennine Express, LNER and Network Rail took part in the annual toy run, which has grown into a much-loved tradition.

On arrival, the group was warmly welcomed by children, their families and NHS staff before handing out gifts to young patients across the hospital.

Sporting stars join the celebrations

The visit was made even more special with the involvement of British and Commonwealth Boxing Champion Ishmael Davis, alongside rugby league players from Super League, Championship and local community clubs.

The athletes met patients, posed for photographs and helped distribute presents, creating memorable moments for children spending Christmas in hospital.

A tradition inspired by kindness

The toy run was organised by Patrick Cox, programme delivery manager for Northern, who has coordinated the event since 2017.

The initiative was inspired by his daughter Caitlin, who came up with the idea after receiving an Easter egg while she was a patient at the hospital.

“It started out with two bags of toys and today we had two sleighs full of gifts, enough to ensure all the kids at the hospital get one this Christmas,” Patrick said.

“We had a wide range of toys for the younger kids and toiletries, sports gear and gift vouchers for the teenagers.

“There are a load of portable DVD players, headphones and Netflix subscriptions too, so they can watch their favourite films.

“We’re so grateful to all of the railway staff, local businesses and RMT and ASLEF trade unions, who all made generous donations, and to everyone who came down to support this year.

“You can see that it means so much to everyone here, from the children and their relatives to all of the hospital staff. It puts a big smile on their faces and that’s what it’s all about.”

A special presentation from a rising sports star

This year’s visit also included a special presentation from Caitlin, who won the Woman of Steel award for Huddersfield Giants Under 19s.

She presented the hospital with a playing shirt, which will be displayed in a frame in the MRI suite.

“I’m so proud of her,” said Patrick. “It shows the children that even if they’re going through a hard time, they can overcome it and go on to achieve great things.”

Community support from emergency services

West Yorkshire Police officers and staff also played a key role, with detention officer Anthony Walker-Senior and safer schools officer PC Gill Nelson collecting donations for the toy run.

Mr Walker-Senior said: “My own children are under the care of Leeds General Infirmary, and I like to be able to give something back to them for the care they have provided, especially at this sad time that some of the unfortunate ones may have to spend Christmas in hospital.”

Hospital staff praise ‘lovely tradition’

Laura Whelan, head of nursing at Leeds Children’s Hospital, said the toy run had become a highlight of the festive season for patients and staff alike.

“The toy run has become such a lovely tradition, it’s something we always look forward to in our Christmas calendar and our patients love it.

“It started with one of our patients wanting to give something back and now it has grown to include so many local organisations and people in the community who want to do something kind for children in hospital at Christmas.

“Thank you everyone involved and everyone who has donated. Merry Christmas.”

Maybank Security and Amulet Security were also praised for stepping in to help transport some of the presents, ensuring every donation reached the hospital.

Northern, which organised the event, is the second largest train operator in the UK, running 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.