The manager of a Worcester supermarket is collecting toys to thank the hospital that treated his critically ill daughter.
Liam Kelly, manager at the Tesco on Foregate Street, is looking to collect as many toys as possible to donate to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
He was inspired to do so after spending over a month at the hospital with his 11-year-old daughter, Natasha, who suffered from meningitis over the summer.
“We nearly lost her, we came so close to losing her,” he said.
“That inspired me to put together a toy collection so that any children spending their Christmas at the hospital can get a little present.
“We are asking our customers to donate any brand new toys to bring a little cheer to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.”
Thankfully, Walkwood Middle School pupil Natasha is doing “fantastic” now.
Since launching the appeal just over a week ago, 46-year-old Mr Kelly has managed to fill a trolley full of presents.
He is hoping to collect even more by Tuesday, December 20, leaving him with plenty of time to get them all wrapped before he heads over to the hospital.
He added: “I slept at the hospital for over four weeks while my daughter was not well.
“The care we at the hospital received was second to none.
“It really opened my eyes to what they do
You see a lot of the struggles that other children and parents are going through, and it just opens your eyes to it and it is something I never would have thought about in the past.”
READ MORE: Tesco store manager from Worcester features in this year's Christmas advert
It has been a busy festive season for Tesco managers in the city.
Steve Winfield, boss of the St Peter's branch, featured in the supermarket's official 2022 Christmas advert.
Mr Winfield had to keep the exciting news quiet until the weekend and has now been the centre of attention with people jokingly stopping him for an autograph.
"I have had a lot of people jokingly ask me for autographs which has been funny.
"I also shared my audition video online after I got over 200 likes on my Facebook post which got a lot of positive engagement."
To donate a present to Mr Kelly’s appeal, pop in to Tesco at 8-10 Foregate Street, next to the station.
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