Olympic Gold Medallist, winner of RTÉ’s Dancing with the Stars, and proud Little Heroes

AmbassadorRhys McClenaghan launches Little Heroes Easter Campaign at RBHSC– Be a Hero This Easter! Fill the Little Heroes Giant Basket at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children

Belfast, 3 March 2025 –This Easter, Little Heroes, the charity for the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, is inviting the community throughout Northern Ireland to gift ‘Egg-sential’ items that are needed by children and those who love and care for them.

Olympic Gold Medallist, winner of RTÉ’s Dancing with the Stars, and proud Little Heroes Ambassador Rhys McClenaghan officially launched the campaign at the Children’s Hospital on Thursday, 3rd April.

The charity knows that people often think of sick children at gifting times and is calling on businesses, schools, individuals, and community groups across Northern Ireland to donate new essential items that will make a hospital stay a little easier for both children and their parents.

These thoughtful donations will provide much-needed support during what can be a difficult and stressful time and are items that are needed at the hospital all year long. To ensure the safety and well-being of children and their families, the charity has asked that only new items are donated.Whether you choose to help fill the Little Heroes Giant Easter Basket at the Children’s Hospital or create your own Easter basket to present to the charity, every contribution will make a real difference.

This campaign has already captured the imagination of grateful parents and the wider community with a Giant Easter Basket being made and given to the charity by a local business owner TREECO, and a variety of essential items already donated.  To ensure the health and safety of patients, the charity has asked that only new items are donated.

Examples of Egg-sential Items that the hospital need include,

For Children & Babies:

·        Pyjamas and underwear (all sizes)

·        Baby and toddler vests

·        Books, crafts & colouring supplies – To keep little minds busy

·        Bibs & muslins – Essentials for babies

·        Socks & slippers – Keeping tiny feet warm

·        Sticker books & activity packs – Fun distractions

·        Cosy dressing gowns and blankets – For extra comfort

·Hairbrushes, bobbles, scrunchies, and hairbands

For Teenagers:

·        Toiletries – Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwash

·        Hand creams & lip balm – Small luxuries during long stays

·        Notebooks & pens – To jot down important notes or thoughts

·        Snacks – For those much-needed breaks

·        Portable phone chargers – A lifeline during long hours at the hospital

·        Comfy loungewear or oversized t-shirts – Practical and comforting

·        Puzzle books or magazines – A little escape during waiting times

·Small value gift cards for Amazon/food deliveries during long days and nights

For Parents & Carers:

·        Toiletries – Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwash

·        Hand creams & lip balm – Small luxuries during long stays

·        Notebooks & pens – To jot down important notes or thoughts

·        Instant coffee, tea, & snacks – For those much-needed breaks

·        Portable phone chargers – A lifeline during long hours at the hospital

·        Comfy loungewear or oversized t-shirts – Practical and comforting

·        Puzzle books or magazines – A little escape during waiting times

·Small value gift cards for food deliveries during long days and nights

Other Useful Donations:

·        Towels & blankets – Providing extra warmth and comfort

·        Laundry baskets or small storage bins – To help parents stay organised

·        Travel pillows, earplugs & eye masks – Helping parents catch some rest

How to Get Involved

You can make a difference by gathering donations from your workplace, school, or community group. Bring your donations together and drop them off at the designated collection point at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. Place your contributions in our Little Heroes Easter Egg-sentials collection point (A Giant Easter Basket) located in the Mall starting from Thursday, 4th April.

Every donation, big or small, helps us wrap families in warmth and support when they need it most. Let’s make this Easter truly special for our Little Heroes!

Get Involved Today!

For more information or to arrange a donation drop-off, please contact Little Heroes at support@littleheroesni.org. Let’s work together to spread kindness and bring comfort to those who need it the most this Easter.