Greater Anglia launches 2026 Easter collection for local hospitals

Rail staff and passengers across the West Anglia route are being encouraged to take part in an Easter appeal aimed at supporting children and families receiving hospital care in the area.

Greater Anglia has invited donations from customers passing through Stansted Mountfitchet, Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, Harlow Mill and Harlow Town stations. The appeal is seeking Easter-themed gifts such as unopened Easter eggs, chocolate treats and appropriate children’s activities.

The collection will take place from Monday 26 January until Sunday 22 March 2026. All items gathered will be distributed to Enders Touch Foundation and the children’s ward at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.

Now in its sixth year, the appeal was launched in 2020 by Greater Anglia employee Michael King, a Relief Ticket Office Clerk who works at Sawbridgeworth and Stansted Mountfitchet stations. Since its launch, the initiative has continued to grow, with strong support from both staff and passengers.

In 2025 alone, nearly 700 Easter gifts were donated, providing support to children and families within the local community during the Easter period.

Michael King, event organiser and Relief Ticket Office Clerk at Sawbridgeworth and Stansted Mountfitchet stations, said:

“This appeal makes such a difference, and I would like to say a huge thank you in advance to everyone who is able to donate. All the gifts go directly to Enders Touch Foundation and the children’s ward at Princess Alexandra Hospital, helping to bring some comfort and joy to children and their families at what can be a very difficult time, particularly around Easter.”

Greater Anglia has urged anyone travelling on the West Anglia line during the collection period to consider contributing, stressing that even small donations can help make Easter brighter for children in hospital.

Image: Greater Anglia