A Festive Morning of Kindness at Pinderfields Hospital

Penny Appeal Brings Hope and Warmth

There is something deeply moving about the festive season in Britain. Even on the coldest mornings, even when the sky hangs grey, people search for small ways to bring light into each other’s lives. This spirit of compassion was beautifully reflected at Pinderfields Hospital today, where the Penny Appeal team spent the morning delivering festive cheer to patients spending the festive season away from home.

Sharing Warmth With Patients Spending the Festive Season in Hospital

The wards at Pinderfields were filled with a gentle, quiet anticipation as volunteers walked through carrying colourful gift bags. These weren’t grand presents or extravagant gestures-they were small, thoughtful items chosen to remind every patient that they are remembered, valued, and loved.

Some people were too tired to speak. Others brightened immediately. But every single one softened upon realising that someone had come simply to bring them joy.

This beautiful act of giving stems from another heartwarming teaching of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in which he said:

"The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others" (Bukhari)

This morning, “benefit” meant showing up, comforting others, and connecting with people we had never met, all while experiencing the warmth of humanity together.

A Father’s Heavy Heart Lifted

In one quiet corner of the ward, a father sat exhausted beside his son’s bed. He had spent days sleeping upright, too worried to leave. When he saw his child’s

eyes light up at the toys they’d received, he was moved by the gesture and said, “I didn’t realise how much I needed someone to think of us.”

There are people across the UK carrying heavy emotional burdens, even during the festive season. Today, some of those burdens felt a little lighter.

When a Kind Word Becomes Healing for the Healers

In the staff room, a nurse admitted that the season of giving is “the hardest shift of the year.” Patients are more emotional. Families are more anxious. And staff put their whole hearts into supporting them.

Seeing volunteers sharing gifts and comfort reminded her that “kindness is its own medicine.”

Her words reflected another timeless teaching:

"Whoever relieves a believer of a burden, Allah will relieve them of a burden on the Day of Judgement."- Sahih Muslim

Compassion is contagious. It heals in ways medicine cannot

Why Visits Like This Matter, Here at Home and Around the World

While festive joy was shared at Pinderfields Hospital, the Penny Appeal team could not ignore the thousands of people across Britain facing hardship this winter.

Families struggling with heating costs. Children waking up without presents. Elders spending the festive season completely alone. Young people without a safe place to sleep.

And beyond the UK, millions face even harder realities:

• Orphans in Pakistan, Afghanistan and India longing for stability
• Children in Gaza, Syria, and Yemen living through conflict
• Families in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka rebuilding after floods
• Entire communities in Africa recovering from poverty and disaster

Let Your Compassion Travel Further

As the Penny Appeal team left Pinderfields Hospital today, one truth lingered:

Human kindness transforms lives-whether in a hospital ward in Yorkshire or in a remote community overseas.

"And as for the favour of your Lord, proclaim it." Qur’an 93:11

We, at Penny Appeal, proclaim gratitude not only with words, but with action, Alhamdulillah.

Support Families Across the UK Through Penny Appeal at Home

Your donation can help vulnerable people right here in Britain, families experiencing homelessness, elders battling loneliness, children living in poverty. Your kindness can be the reason someone feels seen and supported this winter.

Change a Child’s Future Through OrphanKind

By sponsoring an orphan, you can provide education, stability, healthcare, and emotional support. You can help a child build a hopeful, dignified future, one gift that continues all year long, and becomes your Sadaqah Jariyah (eternal reward) in this world and the hereafter.

This season of giving, be the light someone is praying for.

Sponsor a child with OrphanKind. And let kindness be your legacy.