On Monday 22 December, Jensen Hurcombe from Wisbech, and his mum Terri arrived at the main entrance of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn (QEH) laden with toys ready to donate to children who find themselves in hospital over Christmas.
Jensen and his mum have dedicated the past few weeks to collecting these heartfelt gifts, with the help from generous member of the local community and supermarkets, motivated by the knowledge that it could so easily have been Jensen spending Christmas on a hospital ward.
In May 2025, Jensen was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anaemia, a serious blood disorder where the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells. After weeks of treatment, with frequent blood and platelet transfusions many administered at The QEH, Jensen underwent a stem cell transplant at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in August.
Terri used the Facebook group, Jensen’s Story, used to document Jensen’s journey and raise awareness of Aplastic Anaemia, to appeal to the local community to support with toy donations to help bring a little joy to unwell children this December. Members of the community, along with Jensen’s family, answered the call all buying gifts at Wisbech Tesco who also offered to support his worthy cause.
Terri Betts, Jensen’s mum, said: “I wanted to do this because it could have been Jensen in hospital over Christmas. Children deserve joy on Christmas Day, and it makes such a difference to parents during an incredibly difficult time. In 2025, Jensen has spent more days in hospital than not.”
Seven-year-old Jensen, who attended a hospital appointment earlier in the day, said:
“I feel happy to give these presents. I had fun when I was here with Karen – we played Uno and silly games.”
Special thanks to Wisbech Tesco for backing Jensen’s appeal. Julie Bushby, Communication Champion from Wisbech Tesco, said: “We are so proud to have been able to support Jensen and help this worthy cause.”
Nicola Wright, Play Team Specialist at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, said: “It was wonderful to see Jensen today. I’d like to thank Jensen and his family for thinking of others despite their own circumstances. They are amazing, and we are very grateful.”
Ends. Notes to editors;
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