Last Christmas was not how Donna’s family had imagined it. Instead of celebrating together at home, they spent the festive period worrying about baby Elsie, who had been admitted to hospital with RSV at just 12 days old. Now, the family have turned that experience into something positive, raising £695.25 for Blue Skies by climbing Ben Nevis.
On 31 July, Donna, her husband and her 11-year-old granddaughter Zoe set out to conquer the UK’s highest mountain in support of Blue Skies after the charity helped their family during a difficult Christmas.
In December 2025, Donna’s granddaughter Elsie was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Elsie spent five days in hospital, including Christmas Day, before being discharged on Boxing Day.
For Donna and her family, it was an incredibly stressful and emotional time.
“This was a very stressful time, as it would be for any family”, said Donna. “Christmas is about family, but the family was split up due to illnesses”.
Over the festive period, Blue Skies Give-A-Gift Appeal ensured that every patient waking up in Blackpool Victoria Hospital on Christmas Day received a present. Elsie was given a bag of brand-new toys, while her nearly two-year-old sister Betsy was also able to choose a gift, helping to bring some joy during what was a very difficult time for the family.
Reflecting on their experience of the Children’s Ward, the family said: “They were fantastic on the ward”.
Wanting to give something back, Donna, Zoe and the rest of the family decided to raise money for Blue Skies so the charity can continue supporting patients and families during challenging times.
Their Ben Nevis challenge was far from easy. The group faced soaring temperatures at the foot of the mountain before battling hailstones near the summit. After an incredible 11-hour effort, they raised an outstanding £695.25 for Blue Skies Hospitals Fund. Of the total raised, £500 will go directly to support the Children’s Wards at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, helping to enhance the experience of young patients and their families. The remaining funds will support Blue Skies annual Give-A-Gift Appeal, helping to ensure patients spending Christmas in hospital receive a present to open on Christmas Day.
Everyone at Blue Skies would like to say a huge thank you to Donna, Zoe and their family for their generosity, determination and support. The funds they have raised will help us continue bringing comfort, care and special moments to patients and families across Blackpool Teaching Hospitals.
