Sweets and pumpkins are needed to help poorly children in hospital celebrate Halloween

Nurses at Leeds Children's Hospital are asking for people to donate sweets, pumpkins and fancy dress outfits to help some of the most poorly kids in Leeds celebrate Halloween.

An appeal was launched on Facebook community group leedsplace by play leaders Laura Smith and Megan Holmes, who spend their days a the hospital alongside children who have been diagnosed with cancer and other serious illnesses.

The pair asked for people across Leeds to dig deep to donate what they can to ensure the children on the wards can have a Halloween to remember.

"We've had a donation from Poundland, which is great, but that wasn't enough for the whole hospital," said Laura, 27.

'They already feel like they are different, but this would bring a bit of normality'

"The things that we would love are sweets so that the children can go trick or treating on the ward by going to the nurses station.

"We'd also love pumpkins and obviously outfits for the children so they can dress up."

"It would just mean that they would be like any other child. They miss out on school and all the normal things that other kids do.

"It's so they are not just stuck on the ward in a side room on Halloween. They already feel like they are different, but this would bring a bit of normality."

Anyone who wants to contribute to the appeal is being asked to drop off bags of sweets, pumpkins and outfits at the Clarendon Wing reception.

Please be aware that only new outfits will be accepted, due to the risk of infection.