A CHARITY which gives children in hospital much-needed pyjamas has put out another plea for donations as it edges closer to the end of its appeal.

Children’s Hospital Pyjamas is a nationwide charity which collects donations of new pyjamas for children from newborns up to 18 year olds.

These donations are then sent to hospitals, hospices and women’s refuges in time for Christmas.

The pyjamas are also used throughout the year in emergency situations.

Children's Hospital Pyjamas is in it's 12th year of running appeals and its 2nd year as a charity.

Last year it was able to distribute pyjamas to 90 different establishments, several of which were in Essex.

Read more: Charity appeal for pyjamas to go to children in hospital

But with just weeks left for donations to be made, the charity has put out an urgent plea.

Essex area co-ordinator Jen Simmons said: "Unfortunately this year donations are down and with just under 3 weeks left of the appeal, the charity are having to consider scaling down the number of hospitals and other establishments they have previously been able to support."

Having formed its charity status just before lockdown it hasn't had the financial fundraising opportunities to buy more pyjamas to make up the shortfall.

"So this is a plea to members of the public and businesses that if you are able to make a donation to this amazing charity, whether it be a pyjama donation, sharing the appeal on social media or a financial donation, it would be massively appreciated," Jen continued.

There are drop off points in Braintree, Maldon, Colchester, and further afield in Essex, but more are needed this year and going forward.

Lyons Hall Primary School in Braintree are supporting the appeal by running a collection within their school.

Drop off points in Braintree are the Natural Way health shop and Santander, and Temme English branches have points in Maldon and Colchester.

Jen added: "If you would like to act as a drop off point for donations please let us know and your details would be added to the charity's website."

To organise a collection in your workplace, school, group, or among family and friends, email childrenshospitalpjs@gmail.com FAO Jen (Essex), who can send a poster and arrange to collect donations after the appeal ends on October 31.

Pyjamas must be brand new and not wrapped as they need to be checked by the individual hospitals.

Donators are also asked to avoid Christmas-themed and fleecy pyjamas (as hospital wards can be quite warm).

For a map of drop off points, and for more details, visit childrenshospitalpyjamas.co.uk/donate.