Eid Unwrapped brings festive joy to young patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital

A Manchester-based community initiative brought comfort and joy to children in hospital this Eid, distributing hundreds of gifts across Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Founded in 2017 by Manchester resident Muaaz Khan MBE, Eid Unwrapped was inspired by his own experience as a young patient in 1994, spending lengthy periods in Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Recalling one particularly difficult Christmas spent on a ward at the hospital’s former Pendlebury site, he said: “On one of my stays, a consultant came to my bedside at midnight dressed as Santa and gave me a sack of presents.

“That one kind gesture stayed with me for all these years, I had needed someone to cheer me up in that moment. I knew from then on that I wanted to bring that same feeling of joy to children in hospital during Eid.”

Eid Unwrapped has since worked with mosques, schools and community groups across Greater Manchester throughout each Ramadan to bring joy to young people in hospital over Eid.

By 2019, the initiative was delivering over 1,000 gifts annually to patients across Manchester Foundation Trust Hospitals and raised hundreds for Manchester Foundation Trust Charity over the span of nine years.

The Eid al Fitr festival, which occurred last month, marked the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan when Muslims undertake fasts and extra devotions.

To celebrate, Eid Unwrapped hosted a party at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, giving young patients the chance to mark the occasion together. The gifts were distributed with the support of NHS play teams, who ensured each present was matched appropriately to young patients.

In addition to the gifts, Eid Unwrapped also chose to support our MediCinema Appeal with a donation of £350.

Zeb Farooq MBE, a trustee of Eid Unwrapped who joined the initiative in 2022, said the project was about more than just gifts: “It was incredibly heartwarming to see various members of the community come together to celebrate.

“Hospitals can be frightening places for children, especially when they’re away from family and dealing with serious illness. If we could bring even a small moment of comfort or happiness, that meant everything.

“We wanted families to know someone was thinking of them. The feedback we received was incredibly moving, not just from children, but from parents, siblings and loved ones of all backgrounds. That emotional impact was so powerful.

“Our roots are in the Muslim community, but our mission was universal. If someone was in hospital, you didn’t look at religion, you show kindness. That is what this event was about.

“We hope to continue growing the project year on year, reaching more children and families across the region and making Eid a time of comfort and celebration for those who need it most.”

Georgia Withers, Relationship Officer with Manchester Foundation Trust Charity said: “Eid Unwrapped is a fantastic organisation and are treasured long-term supporters of Manchester Foundation Trust Charity.

“Their generosity and dedication bring so much joy to our young patients and their families during what can be an incredibly challenging time. Initiatives like this make a real difference, helping to create positive memories and moments of happiness within the hospital environment.”