A family from Leeds have created a special festive tradition in memory of their son whose favourite time of the year was Christmas.

In 2021, 13-year-old Hayyan died suddenly from a rare condition. In honour of their son, who would be turning 18 next year, his family donate to a different charity every festive season.

This year finding joy at Christmas will be even harder for Hayyan’s mum Farah, dad Haqnawaz and siblings, after the family went through the heartbreak of losing their unborn baby Hakim earlier this year.

In memory of their two sons, the family have chosen to donate to Leeds Hospitals Charity and recently visited the hospital to present £1,200 to Lisa Beaumont, Therapeutic & Specialised Play Manager.

The family’s donation will help Leeds Hospitals Charity continue to support the Play Team, who thanks to the generosity of supporters, can be there for young patients and their families seven days a week. The Play Team are there to help to reduce anxiety and stress, normalise hospital surroundings and be a friendly face to children and their families.

Farah spoke to us about what this donation means to her family:

“Leeds Children’s Hospital is a place that holds our most sacred moments, it’s where Hayyan entered our lives and heartbreakingly where we had to let him go. It’s also where Hakim arrived into the world too soon, he filled our hearts in a way words can never express and even though he was with us for only a fleeting moment, he remains an irreplaceable part of our family.”

“We understand as parents who have spent time in hospital with our children just how important it is for children to feel safe, comforted and supported. We know how much gentle distraction, play, and emotional care can transform a frightening experience into something a child can face. The play service offers that kindness, reassurance and sense of calm when families need it most, and that means everything to us.”

Farah, Haqnawaz and their wider family hope that their donation will help other families like theirs, bringing comfort, care and support during some of the most difficult times of their lives.