FAMILIES from local Merseyside swim school Puddle Ducks have been making waves for a very special cause, delivering more than 300 pairs of brand-new pyjamas to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital as part of their much-loved PJ (Pyjama) Week, in partnership with the charity Children’s Hospital Pyjamas.
PJ Week sees little swimmers swap their usual swimwear for cosy pyjamas and take to the pool fully clothed. The activity helps children understand how it feels to be in water wearing everyday clothing and helps develop vital life skills that supports water confidence and survival awareness should they ever accidentally fall into water.
Alongside these important lessons, families and members of the Puddle Ducks Merseyside team rallied together to donate new pyjamas for children staying in hospital, many of whom come from the same communities as Puddle Ducks’ families and little swimmers. The donations were recently delivered to Alder Hey, where they will be used to bring comfort to children and families during what can be an unexpected or challenging time. Pyjamas may be laid out ready for children returning from surgery, or offered to those who were not expecting to stay overnight.
Children’s Hospital Pyjamas is a UK charity dedicated to ensuring that children in hospitals, hospices and care settings have access to clean, comfortable nightwear. Each pair of pyjamas provides more than warmth; they offer dignity, reassurance and a sense of normality for children and their families when it is needed most.
A video shared by Puddle Ducks Merseyside captures the journey of the pyjama donations, highlighting the care, teamwork and strong community spirit of families behind every contribution.
Across the UK, Puddle Ducks franchises collectively donated over 1,000 pairs of pyjamas, with deliveries made to hospitals, hospices and care settings nationwide. On the delivery day alone, more than 30 large bags of pyjamas were transported to support children in care at Alder Hey.
A spokesperson from Children’s Hospital Pyjamas commented:- “We are sincerely grateful to the Puddle Ducks franchises across the UK for their wonderful support during their ‘charity pyjama week’, through both monetary donations and the collection of pyjamas. This has enabled us to add new establishments to deliver to this year. Their kindness and commitment have helped us reach even more children, allowing us to share the gift of pyjamas, spreading love, comfort and dignity to those who need it most.”
Sarah Cadwaladr, owner of Puddle Ducks Merseyside added:- “PJ Week is always a highlight for our swimmers, and the generosity of our families never fails to amaze us. Knowing the pyjamas donated will bring comfort to local children and families at Alder Hey during difficult times makes the initiative incredibly special. We’re so grateful to everyone who supported it.”
Puddle Ducks Merseyside runs 3 PJ Weeks each year, with their upcoming February PJ Week focused on helping children develop water skills from an early age. While one PJ Week each year is dedicated to collecting pyjama donations for charity, all PJ Weeks help children across Merseyside build confidence and vital life skills in the water.
For more information about Puddle Ducks Merseyside, please visit this website.
For more information about Children’s Hospital Pyjamas, please click on here.