Old Spanish Jerseys Are Being Turned To Hospital Gowns For Sick Children

Old Spanish football jerseys are being renovated into stylish hospital gowns for sick children in Spain.

Rather than unwanted, out of date jerseys being thrown away or sold for pocket change online, one company is recycling the shirts – into hospital gowns.

Panenka, a monthly Spanish football magazine, has teamed up with creative agency We Are Xuxa to launch the initiative.

Las Batas Mas Fuertas – ‘The Strongest Hospital Gowns’ in English – is now asking for more hospitals and health centres to join up to their campaign, which was launched this week.

The idea of turning old Spanish Jerseys into gowns is to help take stress off the child and to make then feel stronger, potentially reducing their hospital stay.

In a promo video, shot at Hospital San Rafael in Madrid, kids were seen wearing Barcelona , Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid shirts.

A caption reads: “Every day, in many hospitals, children face their hardest match.

“Illness is a scary rival. But it can be beaten.

“We’ve turned football shirts into hospital gowns.

“Because something great happens when we wear our team shirt. We become braver, stronger and more prepared to beat our opponent.”

‘A GOWN THAT BRINGS JOY’

A nurse then explains how reducing stress and the feeling of joy can reduce some symptoms.

“The state of mind great influences the evolution of a child, directly impacting the number of days of hospitalisation,” she adds.

“A gown that brings so much joy can reduce stress and ultimately shorten the length of stay in hospital.

“Boosting their mood helps their immune system recover faster.”

Since launching, Panenka revealed they have already received messages of interest and support from hospitals, organisations and individuals across Spain, Europe, South America and Africa.

Panenka are not yet able to accommodate donations, however, with the first phase of the initiative to get hospitals and health centres to sign up and express interest.