Nigel Hawkin, owner of Recognition Express Wakefield is donating gifts to the Laura Crane Trust, a youth cancer charity which sends gifts to the 400 young people aged 13-24 across the UK that are suffering from cancer and who will be spending their Christmas day in hospital, often miles away from home, family and friends.

Nigel said: “I myself have three children, two of which are in this age bracket and I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for the patients and their families to be in hospital at Christmas time.  We are happy that we can help in some way to bring a smile to their faces.”

Nigel has also offered to provide printed T-shirts in the New Year to help promote and raise funds for the charity’s newest initiative – ‘Chat World’ – a virtual world where young patients can connect and share their experiences with other young cancer sufferers across the globe.

The Laura Crane Trust is based in Huddersfield and Catherine Tate is the celebrity patron.  The charity was founded by Laura’s mother after Laura lost her 14 month battle against a complex mix of four types of cancer.  Sadly Laura died in May 1996, just two weeks after her 17th birthday.  She had to spend her last Christmas in hospital and this year more young people will have the same experience. The charity has been raising funds all year for its Gifts for Patients campaign.

Pam Thornes, Fundraising Manager for the charity said: “There are only 29 hospitals across the UK that admit youth cancer patients and only 8 have dedicated youth cancer units.  Most of the young people are hospitalised within the adult oncology awards, miles away from their family and friends, and often suffer from feelings of loneliness and isolation.”

“Recognition Express is being very generous and we are so grateful that they are coming to our aid in this way.”