Key Points
- Arlo, aged six from Formby, has started Arlo’s Christmas PJ Appeal to supply new Christmas pyjamas for children spending their Christmas at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
- Arlo has been receiving treatment at Alder Hey’s Burns Unit and Plastics Team for the past five years.
- This appeal is to collect new pyjamas for kids aged between 0 to 16.
- Don Luigi’s Italian Restaurant at Formby will act as the drop-off center for this appeal throughout November.
- For financial contributions, PayPal may be used and all excess money will be donated to Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
- Melissa, the mother of Arlo, is capable of arranging collections and is available on 07733 204069.
- It all started from parents at Arlo’s school and is spreading to Formby, Sefton and Liverpool region.
- Formby Bubble is backing this campaign and is calling it “Little PJ’s, Big Smiles!”
Formby (Liverpool standard) October 24, 2026 – A six-year-old boy from Formby has launched a Christmas appeal to give new pyjamas to children who will spend the festive season at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Arlo, who attends a local primary school, has named the initiative Arlo’s Christmas PJ Appeal. According to Formby Bubble, the campaign aims to ensure that as many children as possible receiving care at Alder Hey have a new pair of Christmas pyjamas to wear on Christmas Eve and wake up in on Christmas morning.
Arlo has been under the care of the hospital’s Burns Unit and Plastics Team for five years. His family says the experience has shown them the care, compassion and dedication of Alder Hey staff, and Arlo now wants to give something back.
Why Is Arlo Collecting Christmas Pyjamas?
The idea began after Arlo and his mother, Melissa, learned that some children in hospital at Christmas may not have new Christmas pyjamas. For many families, matching festive pyjamas are part of a Christmas Eve tradition, but the family recognised that children receiving treatment may face a very different festive period.
As reported by Formby Bubble, Melissa said:
“Our little boy has a big Christmas wish, to help make sure as many children as possible at Alder Hey have a lovely new pair of pyjamas to wake up in on Christmas morning.”
She added:
“Some of these children and their families will be spending Christmas in hospital instead of at home, and if we can bring even a little bit of comfort, happiness and Christmas magic to them, it will mean the world.”
Melissa also explained the personal thinking behind the campaign:
“When we are all sitting at home on Christmas Eve with our families, all dressed in matching pyjamas, there are children in hospital who won’t have Christmas Eve pyjamas.”
How Did the Appeal Begin?
The appeal started as a conversation with a small number of parents at Arlo’s school. According to Formby Bubble, every parent approached was willing to help, encouraging Melissa and Arlo to expand the idea.
Melissa said:
“We started by asking a few parents at Arlo’s school if they would be willing to donate, and every single one was happy to help.”
She continued:
“We were so touched by everyone’s kindness that we thought, why stop there?”
With support from Arlo’s school, the family then sought to involve the whole school and, ultimately, the wider Liverpool area. Melissa said:
“With the support of Arlo’s school, we decided to try to get the whole school involved and then we thought… WHY NOT ASK THE WHOLE OF LIVERPOOL?!”
What Support Has the Appeal Received?
Don Luigi’s Italian Restaurant in Formby has offered to become an official collection point for the appeal. The restaurant will accept donations of brand new Christmas pyjamas every day throughout November.
Arlo’s family has thanked everyone at Don Luigi’s for supporting the initiative and making it easier for local residents to take part.
Formby Bubble has also publicly backed the campaign. The publication said it was “proud to support Arlo” and encouraged readers to donate pyjamas, make a contribution or share the appeal.
How Can People Support the Appeal?
The appeal is collecting brand new pyjamas for children aged 0 to 16. Donated items must be new.
People can drop off donations at Don Luigi’s Italian Restaurant in Formby during November. Those who prefer to give financially can donate through PayPal, with the family stating that every penny will be used to buy new pyjamas.
Any money remaining once the pyjamas have been purchased will be donated to Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
Melissa is also available to arrange collection of donated pyjamas and can be contacted on 07733 204069. The family says that people who cannot donate can still help by sharing the appeal with friends, family, colleagues and local businesses.
What Has Arlo’s Family Said?
Melissa emphasised that there is no pressure on families to donate, acknowledging that many households are facing financial difficulty.
She said:
“We know times are difficult for so many families, and we would never expect anyone to give more than they can.”
She added:
“But even one pair of pyjamas could put the biggest smile on a little face this Christmas.”
Melissa also praised the community spirit of Liverpool and its surrounding areas. She said:
“Liverpool is a city like no other. Whether it’s football, community spirit or helping someone in need, we always come together when it matters most.”
She added:
“And here in Formby, we’re so proud to be part of that incredible community.”
Melissa concluded:
“From one little boy in Formby to all the children at Alder Hey, let’s show them just how much love Liverpool has to give!”
Background of the Development
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital already runs a PJ Day Appeal, which encourages schools to organise pyjama days and raise donations for the hospital. However, Formby Bubble reports that not every school is able to take part, prompting Arlo and Melissa to create an additional way for people to contribute.
The appeal reflects a wider tradition of Christmas giving in Merseyside, where local families, schools and businesses often support children’s causes during the festive period. Arlo’s campaign is specifically focused on providing a practical and comforting item—new pyjamas—for young patients who may be spending Christmas away from home.
Prediction: How Could This Affect Local Families?
For families in Formby, Sefton and Liverpool, the appeal may create a straightforward opportunity to support children receiving hospital care during Christmas. Those able to donate could contribute new pyjamas at Don Luigi’s, make a financial donation, or arrange a collection through Melissa.
For families with children at Alder Hey, the campaign could provide a small but meaningful source of comfort during a hospital stay at Christmas. If the appeal reaches its wider community goal, it may also encourage more local schools, businesses and residents to take part in festive charitable activity.
