The mum of a seven-year old girl who died of cancer on Boxing Day has launched her charity's annual Christmas appeal to help other children.
Samantha Allan, from Darwen, set up Maddi’s Butterflies, which has a borough shop, almost 13 years ago in memory of her late daughter, Madison Allan, who was also known as Maddi.
Maddi was diagnosed with the aggressive form of cancer, neuroblastoma, aged just 10 months-old, and tragically died on Boxing Day 2011.
The charity is now asking for donations of new children’s pyjamas for young people undergoing cancer treatment in her memory.
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Mum and charity founder Samantha said: “After we set up the first charity shop, we came up with the idea of a pyjama appeal.
“Madison spent most of her time in hospital and we went through so many pairs of pyjamas, sometimes up to three pairs per day.”
The charity is asking people to donate brand new pairs of pyjamas for children aged from birth to 16, which will be distributed across Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Alder Hey, The Christie Proton Centre, and Derian House alongside children's hospices.
Samantha added: “I like to think that Maddi left us for angel duties and I didn’t want her passing to be in vain. I want to carry on her legacy.
“Even if people could just share [the appeal] on social media, word of mouth is powerful and it would be a big help.”
Samantha and the team have charity shops in Prestwich and Accrington and provide "smile bags" throughout the year for poorly children who need a "pick me up" while undergoing cancer treatment.
The bags include books, fluffy socks, arts and crafts, toys, stationery and more.
The children’s charity also provides festive "smile boxes" with a Christmas theme, which is personalised to each child.
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The pyjama appeal, which is now in its 11th year, received more than 700 pairs last Christmas and ends on December 1.
There are several drop-off locations across Greater Manchester and Lancashire:
Maddi’s Butterflies Charity Shop - Prestwich
446 Bury New Road
Prestwich
M25 1AZ
Maddi’s Butterflies Charity Shop - Accrington
42 Broadway
Accrington
BB5 1EW
Sanderson Dance & Fitness Centre
10 Churchill Way
Nelson
BB9 6RT
Sanderson Dance & Fitness Centre
7 Hutton Street
Blackburn
BB1 3BY
If you would like to be a drop-off point or learn more about the charity, please contact Samantha on 07875 741 555 or email samantha@maddisbutterflies.org.uk
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