Families from the local Merseyside swim school, Puddle Ducks, have made a heartwarming splash by delivering more than 300 pairs of brand-new pyjamas to Alder Hey Children's Hospital. This generous donation was part of their cherished PJ (Pyjama) Week, conducted in partnership with the national charity, Children's Hospital Pyjamas.
Swimming in Pyjamas for a Purpose
During PJ Week, young swimmers at Puddle Ducks Merseyside swap their usual swimwear for cosy pyjamas and take to the pool fully clothed. This unique activity serves a dual purpose: it helps children understand how it feels to be in water while wearing everyday clothing, and it fosters vital life skills that enhance water confidence and survival awareness. These lessons are crucial for preparing children should they ever accidentally fall into water, making the week both educational and potentially life-saving.
A Community Effort for Comfort
Alongside these important swimming lessons, families and members of the Puddle Ducks Merseyside team rallied together to collect new pyjamas for children staying in hospital. Many of these children come from the same communities as Puddle Ducks' families and little swimmers, adding a personal touch to the initiative. The donations were recently delivered to Alder Hey, where they will provide comfort to children and families during what can often be an unexpected or challenging time. For instance, pyjamas may be laid out ready for children returning from surgery, or offered to those who were not expecting to stay overnight, bringing a sense of normalcy and warmth.
Supporting a National Charity
Children's Hospital Pyjamas is a UK-wide charity dedicated to ensuring that children in hospitals, hospices, and care settings have access to clean, comfortable nightwear. Each pair of pyjamas does more than just provide warmth; they offer dignity, reassurance, and a sense of normality for children and their families when it is needed most. A video shared by Puddle Ducks Merseyside captures the journey of these pyjama donations, highlighting the care, teamwork, and strong community spirit behind every contribution.
Wider Impact Across the UK
Across the United Kingdom, Puddle Ducks franchises collectively donated over 1,000 pairs of pyjamas, with deliveries made to hospitals, hospices, and care settings nationwide. On the delivery day alone, more than 30 large bags of pyjamas were transported to support children in care at Alder Hey, showcasing the scale of this charitable effort.
Voices from the Initiative
A spokesperson from Children's Hospital Pyjamas commented: "We are sincerely grateful to the Puddle Ducks franchises across the UK for their wonderful support during their 'charity pyjama week', through both monetary donations and the collection of pyjamas. This has enabled us to add new establishments to deliver to this year. Their kindness and commitment have helped us reach even more children, allowing us to share the gift of pyjamas, spreading love, comfort, and dignity to those who need it most."
Sarah Cadwaladr, owner of Puddle Ducks Merseyside, added: "PJ Week is always a highlight for our swimmers, and the generosity of our families never fails to amaze us. Knowing the pyjamas donated will bring comfort to local children and families at Alder Hey during difficult times makes the initiative incredibly special. We're so grateful to everyone who supported it."
Ongoing Commitment to Water Safety and Charity
Puddle Ducks Merseyside runs three PJ Weeks each year, with their upcoming February PJ Week focused on helping children develop water skills from an early age. While one PJ Week each year is dedicated to collecting pyjama donations for charity, all PJ Weeks help children across Merseyside build confidence and vital life skills in the water. This ongoing commitment ensures that the swim school not only promotes safety but also fosters a spirit of giving within the community.
