Westside Radio seeks toys for eighth Christmas appeal

Children in three West London hospitals will receive Christmas presents through Westside Radio’s annual toy collection.

Now in its eighth year, the Hanwell community station’s Christmas Toy Appeal is asking listeners, schools, businesses and local organisations to donate new toys for children spending the festive season in hospital or receiving support from local charities.

Donations will be distributed to Hillingdon Hospital, Northwick Park Hospital and West Middlesex Hospital, as well as children’s charities and youth centres supporting families across West London.

Weekend Get Up presenter Gos has been involved since the appeal began in 2018 and has helped deliver gifts to the organisations receiving support.

Gos said: “It’s such a great cause that brings real joy to children spending Christmas in hospital. What makes it so special is seeing the whole community come together to do something positive for others.”

Reflecting on previous collections, Gos said the station has received so many donations that getting into the studio from reception has sometimes been difficult.

Global Academy and Chiswick School are among the organisations supporting this year’s collection. Westside is also encouraging local businesses and community groups to organise their own collections or help spread the word.

All donated toys must be brand new and unwrapped. The station will accept donations until Friday 11 December 2026, allowing time to sort the gifts and deliver them before Christmas.