Construction company staff brought festive cheer to vulnerable older people in Hull and East Yorkshire by supporting Age UK’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal following work to refurbish local university facilities.

Staff from Lindum York purchased and wrapped 15 hampers filled with biscuits, toiletries, sweet treats, and small gifts, which will be distributed to vulnerable elderly people in Hull area.

They also donated a life-saving defibrillator machine, which will be installed at the charity’s office in the town.

The support was offered as part of Lindum’s commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates and comes after the completion of works at Hull York Medical School, on the University of Hull campus.

Services Manager at Age UK Hull & East Yorkshire, Natalie Spikings, said: “A huge thank you to Lindum for donating 15 beautiful hampers to our Christmas Shoebox Hamper Appeal.

“These hampers ensure that older people in our area have something to open on Christmas Day, which is particularly meaningful for those who may feel forgotten or isolated.

“An additional thank you for the defibrillator donation. Having this equipment available at our office could potentially save lives.”

The initiative coincided with the completion of Lindum’s work on the Loxley Building at the Hull York Medical School, part of the University of Hull.

The project included the installation of new ventilation systems and the refurbishment of simulation rooms, which will support the university’s expanding clinical programmes.

Lindum York Managing Director James Nellist said: “We are delighted to support Age UK Hull & East Yorkshire as part of our commitment to giving back to the communities where we work. The shoebox appeal aligns with Lindum’s ethos of fostering positive local impact.
“At the same time, we are proud to have delivered vital upgrades to the Loxley Building, which will play a key role in training future healthcare professionals. By combining cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design, this facility is set to make a real difference in medical education.”

The refurbishment included creating X-ray teaching simulation facilities and enhancing the anatomy facilities to meet Human Tissue Authority compliance requirements. These improvements will enable the university to offer a new Diagnostic Radiography course, set to launch in January 2025.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Age UK Hull & East Yorkshire, which aims to distribute 1,000 hampers—building on the 935 gifted in 2023. The charity’s work ensures many isolated individuals receive not just a gift, but a vital connection to their community during the festive season.