HOSPITAL staff in Bradford are decking the halls - and wards - as they prepare for Christmas. 

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has said December 8 will be Festive Friday and Sparkle Day, a double day of celebration which is set to boost vital funds for Bradford Hospitals Charity.

The Christmas tree outside the main entrance to Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI), off Duckworth Lane, will be lit - along with giant snowflakes on the front of the building at 3.30pm.

The switch-on will be performed by 15-year-old fundraiser, Molly-Mae Windle, who has been receiving treatment at BRI for her cystic fibrosis since birth.

A choir of children from Girlington Primary School for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired will sing and sign a selection of Christmas carols.

There will also be fundraising stalls to raise money for Bradford Hospitals Charity. 

Staff across all wards and departments will once again be getting into the Christmas spirit by being encouraged to wear something sparkly and collect donations for the charity.

Sparkle Day is held each year in memory of little Axl Walker, who was a regular patient at BRI until he passed away just three days before his third birthday in 2018.

Axl suffered from a rare blood disorder which meant he needed monthly blood transfusions and two bone marrow transplants.

His mum, Claire, a healthcare assistant in BRI's A&E department, continues to raise funds to support the charity and will be holding a sparkly bake sale on this special day.

Festive Friday will begin with entertainment from the Rock Choir, which will entertain staff, patients and visitors on the main concourse with a selection of favourite Christmas songs from 10.45am.

The nativity scene will also be unveiled and blessed.

Sharon Milner, director of Bradford Hospitals Charity, said: "This Christmas, we rally behind our patients and our dedicated staff, who bring healing and care to our community.

"Supporting them isn't just a gesture - it's a celebration of resilience, a testament to the bonds that make our hospital a great place to work and to our patients who deserve the best care.

"In this festive season, we illuminate the corridors with appreciation, ensuring that the warmth of gratitude envelops those who tirelessly give the gift of health and hope."

In the run-up to Christmas, there will also be deliveries of toys for children, as well a visit from Bradford City FC players on December 12.