Hospital employees wear festive socks to celebrate Christmas.

Employees from over 25 departments at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge embraced the holiday season by joining a special festive sock fundraiser. Because many staff members cannot wear Christmas jumpers due to infection control rules requiring short-sleeved uniforms, the "Docs in Festive Socks" initiative offered a cheerful alternative.

The campaign is organized by Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust (ACT), which aims to make this a yearly celebration. Donna Lee-Willis from ACT explained, "Scrubs and lab coats usually limit our staffs ability to dress festively at work, so theres been tremendous enthusiasm for this event."

Participation has been broad, with contributions not only from hospital departments but also from local schools and corporate supporters. Lee-Willis noted, "Over 25 hospital departments, more than 10 schools, and various businesses are involved. Everyone is getting into the spirit."

Volunteer Paula Dolan, affiliated with Pets as Therapy, joined in by wearing festive socks herself and even outfitting her dog in a pair. She commented that socks were a practical alternative to jumpers, saying, "Staff working in wards need bare arms, so Festive Socks Day gives everyone a fun way to celebrate."

ACT uses funds raised to support advanced equipment, specialist staff, enhanced patient comforts, and critical research beyond what the NHS provides at Addenbrooke's and The Rosie Hospital. The charity is also funding the development of two new hospitals in Cambridge: the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and the Cambridge Children's Hospital.

Lee-Willis added, "Festive Sock Day is an enjoyable, simple way for people to support Addenbrooke's. Staff, schools, businesses, and the public can all take part in this annual holiday event."

Author: Ava Mitchell