HYWEL Dda Health Charities is launching its annual Christmas Give a Gift Appeal - and this year it will support the patients in intensive care units across Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

The appeal, which launched on Monday, 15th runs over a six-week period and encourages local communities to purchase a gift from a selection of items.

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Intensive care units look after critically ill patients across the three counties, including at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth.

Stephanie Hire, General Manager for Scheduled Care, said they were delighted that the intensive care units were the chosen recipients for this year’s Give a Gift Appeal.

She said: “Each gift purchased will make a real difference this Christmas and we will be very grateful for any support.

“Our specially-trained staff look after people with serious and life-threatening conditions and it will mean a lot to our patients to know that our communities are thinking of them.”

Fundraising Manager of Hywel Dda Health Charities, Tara Nickerson, said: “Christmas is always an exciting and busy time for the charity.

“We are delighted to launch our Give a Gift Appeal for the sixth year running with the aim of making a difference to patients admitted to our intensive care units over the festive season.

“It is always great to see the dozens of presents arriving at our offices.

“And Christmas Jumper Day and sales of Hywel Dda Health Charities’ Christmas cards will also be supporting the Give a Gift campaign.”

The Give a Gift wish list can be found at www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk.