Echo readers make Easter a cracking time for needy kids

Sunderland AFC legends Gary Bennett and Micky Horswill with Layton Parker (5), his dad Mark and Chay Appleby (5) at the hospital

Every year, The Sunderland Echo and Wearside charity Hope 4 Kidz asks readers to step up for our Easter Egg Appeal – which aims to provide a treat for some of our most vulnerable children - and, once again, you have answered that call.

Over 3,000 chocolate eggs which you donated at drop off points all over the city have now been distributed to local charities, refuges, homeless units, hospitals and special needs centres in time for Easter Sunday.

On Thursday, Viv Watts, chief executive of Hope 4 Kidz, went to Sunderland Royal Hospital with former Sunderland AFC stars Micky Horswill and Gary Bennett to hand out toys and eggs to young patients.

The Easter Eggs delivered to Sunderand Royal Hospital.

She said: “This year’s Easter Appeal has been truly amazing. We’ve distributed 3,225 eggs and toys to a total value of £8,221.

“I am astonished at how generous people have been in what are very hard times for many people.

"Considering the economic climate, people have still managed to support others who are less fortunate.”

She added: “Each and every one of you has made a real difference to a child somewhere in the area.

Viv Watts from Hope 4 Kidz with Alex Watson (6) at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

"It was a pleasure to attend Sunderland Royal Hospital for the first time in three years and meet some patients and give them a gift directly.

"Their smiles made it so worthwhile.”

Sunderland Echo editor Ross Robertson, said: “Once again our readers have amazed us with their  generosity.

“We cannot thank you enough for all the donations which have helped to make our appeal so successful and bring some much needed joy to some of our most poorly and vulnerable youngsters."

Sunderland AFC legends Gary Bennett and Micky Horswill with hospital patient Karter Wear (12).

He added: “In difficult times, you have stepped up to help those less fortunate and we thank you for that.”

The organisations where children benefitted from your generosity include Together For Children, Centre Point, The Children's Society, Fencehouses YMCA,

Impact Options Domestic Abuse Service, the More than Grandparents group, My Harbour Woman's Refuge, Pennywell Community Centre, South Tyneside Council Intergrated Safeguarding Team, South Tyneside Hospital, South Tynside Woman's Services and Refuge, Sunderland Royal Hospital and Young Carers Sunderland