The letter sent to all Toymaster members, suppliers and agents, revealed the charities that had benefited from the donations. 

The letter reads as follows:

“Dear reader,

Thank you once again once again for the generous donation of toys from the Toymaster May Show.

The wonderful high quantity of the toys were as always amazing. Please be assured that the children’s charities who have received them were thrilled to be one of the fortunate recipients of this donation.

We were delighted to collect and distribute another fantastic donation and diverse range of toys again this year and as always, they are much appreciated.

Once again over 80 % of the toys went to Martin House, our local hospice for children and young people who provide medical care, love and support to children from birth to 21 years with a life limiting illness and their families free of charge. As in previous years the toys are sorted out by members of the care team as age appropriate for each child and given to the children throughout the year at Birthday and Christmas time or at other times if the child is in need of a special treat when they are feeling particularly poorly. Siblings who come to stay at the hospice with their brother or sisters also benefit from the donation and the games and larger items are used in the playrooms by the children and families. We know from feedback from the care team that the wonderful donations are enjoyed by everyone at the hospice.

The Skibbu Special Baby Unit and the Woodlands Children’s wards at Harrogate Hospital have received a selection of toys and games for the babies and children who receive care often in very difficult circumstances. The patients ages range from premature and special needs new born babies and young children up to 12 years old who are often acutely ill. During their time in hospital we know from the staff who work with the children, how much pleasure the toys and games provide and can often make their time in Hospital a little more fun and less frightening during treatment and allows them time to have fun and brighten up their days.

Leeds General Infirmary Children’s Ward provides care for babies and children some of whom have been very ill since birth, many of the children are in need of specialist care for the rest of their lives due the serious medical conditions they have and this can mean that they spend a lot of time in hospital. During this time the donated toys will give them great pleasure. The toys will be shared across the children’s wards for the children to enjoy during their time in hospital.

St James’s Children Cancer Wards is a specialist children’s unit where children from birth to 5 years of age receive treatment. This is another very worthy cause and some of the toys will be given to the very young children and other toys and games will be used in the playrooms by their siblings when they visit.

Harrogate Young Carers as in previous years, have received a some of the of toys and games for the young people they support. These young people often have family responsibilities as a carer for a sibling or in some cases a parent placed on them from a very early age which can be a very heavy burden. We are told by those who support them that the games and toys offer the children the opportunity to relax and play together.

Hope Pastures once again are grateful to have received a donation of toys. The charity gives the opportunity to some children living in Inner City Leeds area to enjoy therapeutic time with animals in a rural environment. This can be particularly beneficial for some of the disadvantaged children in the care of social services who are able to visit the project and see how life can be fun in a safe and caring environment. Some of the children have learning difficulties and have never previously visited the countryside or been in close proximity to live animals.

Please accept my sincere thanks on behalf of all the children and families who will have great enjoyment, fun and laughter from the most welcome donations.

Kind Regards,

Maureen Burns”