Our Christmas fundraising plans for The National Hospital are fun, festive and full of cheer. We've made it easier than ever for you to support us at this special time of year.

You can choose from a variety of ways to show your support for Queen Square. Our Christmas cards are an annual tradition for many of you – if you haven't got your order in yet, do it soon as the top picks go fast! Last order date for Xmas is 12 December.

If you're up at The National Hospital on a Tuesday between now and 13 December, come and see us at one of our festives sales. We have gifts, stocking fillers, cupcakes, beauty products and our card range on sale.

We are also running a festive raffle, with tickets costing just £1 each. Top prize is a £100 Sainsbury's voucher which would come in handy for the big day! Other prizes include: a whiskey and wine gift set; a jam & chutney hamper; wine glass set; beer hamper and a signed cookbook by Marcus Wareing.

Our jewel in the Christmas crown is the glorious Carol Concert at St George's Church, Queen Square on 15 December from 6.30pm. Join us for an evening of magical music, festive readings, mince pies and wine! It's one our favourite events of the year and really helps to get Christmas off to a wonderful start. Tickets cost £20.

We need you if 1: You like dressing up as Santa and 2: you love a fun run. We have places up for grabs in The Santa Run 5k/10k on 4 December in Victoria Park. Every runner gets a FREE Father Christmas suit! Places get snapped quickly up for this one, so apply today.

The National Brain Appeal's fundraising co-ordinators, Brooke (above left) and Laura have swapped roles. Fitness fan Laura is now looking after our challenge and DIY events, plus individual and community fundraisers. Brooke will take on managing our own events, building corporate support and growing our legacies.

Brooke says, "I’m really looking forward to developing strong partnerships with corporates and local businesses as well as creating exciting events. I’m feeling Christmassy already and will see you all at our Carol Concert!" Meanwhile, Laura is getting to know the challenge participants and can't wait to pass on her personal fitness and nutritional tips. "My first event coming up is the Santa Run which I know is going to be a fun and memorable one!".

If you need to contact either of them, click on Brooke or Laura to email them directly.

For more events, personal stories and how you can get involved, please visit
www.nationalbrainappeal.org, or follow us @brainappeal and fb/TheNationalBrainAppeal

Theresa, Marcelle, Cara, Leigh, Brooke, Louise, Tina and Laura