Hearts Together launches biggest-ever Wear It Red Week

Hearts Together has officially launched its biggest-ever Wear It Red Week, proudly sponsored by BryteSpark Communication, marking a major moment for the charity as it celebrates 25 years of community support for families travelling to Derriford Hospital.

Wear It Red Week is Hearts Together’s flagship awareness campaign, inviting schools, workplaces, community groups and individuals across Plymouth and beyond to wear something red, start conversations, and take part in simple fundraising activities that help support patients, carers and their families at some of the most stressful times of their lives.

“Wear It Red Week is about community - and this year it truly feels bigger than ever. The families we support are often far from home during incredibly difficult times, and it’s the kindness and generosity of local people that makes our work possible. We’re thrilled to be launching our biggest Wear It Red Week yet and grateful to everyone who will take part, share the message and help us raise awareness of Hearts Together.”
Nigel Roy, Interim Chair of Trustees at Hearts Together.

While the average Hearts Together guest travels over two hours to stay at the charity’s hospital hotel during medical treatment or urgent care, the support that makes this possible comes from the local community stepping up and Wear It Red Week is a key way for people to show that support.

For families like Simon’s, that support can make an immeasurable difference. In 2019, Simon and his wife were advised to stay close to Derriford Hospital while their daughter Olivia, suddenly and critically ill, lay in a coma. Hearts Together provided them with a safe, welcoming place to stay nearby at a time of enormous uncertainty, allowing them to remain close without the added stress of being far from the family home in Falmouth.

 

After emergency treatment at Derriford and further care in London, Olivia made a full recovery and is now a qualified paediatric nurse. Inspired by the care their family received, Simon went on to become an anonymous living organ donor and, as a family, they have raised funds for health charities as a way of giving back. Their story reflects the heart of Wear It Red Week - a community coming together to ensure no family has to face medical treatment or emergency care alone.

Simon and Olivia shared their powerful story with Hearts Together in a special film made for Wear It Red Week.

This year’s Wear It Red Week is the most ambitious yet, with more resources, ideas and support than ever before to help people take part in a way that works for them and making it easier than ever to get involved.

For educators and youth organisations there are pointers for having age-appropriate conversations about the role of charities, colouring sheets, games and fundraising ideas. A general fundraising pack for businesses and community groups is also available to download with posters, decorations and everything needed to host your own activity — including a fun “Hearts Together: Higher or Lower” game that brings the charity’s work to life.

Full details and resources can be found at: https://www.heartstogether.org.uk/Event/wear-it-red

For 25 years Hearts Together has been proudly supported and community-backed and this year’s Wear It Red Week is sponsored by BryteSpark Communication, a Plymouth-based communications and marketing consultancy supporting charities and community organisations across the South West.

“It’s a real privilege for BryteSpark Communication to sponsor Wear It Red Week. Hearts Together is a resource that our city and community should be incredibly proud of, welcoming and supporting guests when they’re far from home and facing some of life’s hardest moments.”

Bryony Rawson of BryteSpark Communication 

How to take part in Wear It Red Week

Getting involved in Wear It Red Week is designed to be simple, flexible and fun, with free resources available to suit different ages, settings and groups.

For schools, educators and youth groups
A dedicated pack has been created to help younger people engage in age-appropriate ways, including:

  • Assembly or discussion notes to explore kindness, community and support
  • A Design a Wear It Red T-shirt activity for 2026
  • A chance to write or draw a message of support for Hearts Together guests
  • Printable colouring sheets and a wordsearch
  • Easy fundraising ideas suitable for schools and youth organisations

For workplaces, community and social groups
The general fundraising pack includes everything needed to run your own activity, such as:

  • The fun Higher or Lower: Hearts Together Impact game
  • Fundraising suggestions for teams and groups
  • Ready-to-use posters, decorations and printable materials
  • Digital assets to help share your involvement online

All resources are free to download, and Hearts Together can also help arrange speaker visits for schools, youth groups or organisations who would like to learn more about the charity’s work.

 

Manage Cookie Preferences