Matalan and Alder Hey release 2026 family pyjamas hailed 'best ones yet'

Matalan is collaborating with Alder Hey Children's Charity for the 13th year running with the release of a new range of pyjamas. The fashion brand, based in Knowsley , has a long-standing connection with the charity. Since the partnership first began in 2014, Matalan has helped to raise more than £6.1m for Alder Hey, one of the largest and busiest children’s hospitals in Europe This money goes towards funding life-changing care, pioneers new research and also helps create more family wellbeing initiatives at the hospital. Every year, Matalan launches a range of family pyjamas and 100% of th e profits are donated to the charity. From playful sunshine and rainbow prints to colourful stripes, the pyjamas always have a unique design. This year, Matalan has gone for a simple, delicate look featuring gingham prints and the iconic Alder Hey elephant. The collection, called "Cared For With Love", is available to shop in selected Matalan stores from today, Monday October 12, and features a range of pieces including pyjamas, robes, t-shirts and socks. Each item has been thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind, using soft, breathable fabrics that feel gentle on the skin. A move away from the bolder designs of previous collections, the understated gingham and signature elephant motif create a sense of calm to match the collection's focus on rest, relaxation and comfort. At the heart of this year’s "Cared For With Love" campaign are real Alder Hey children and families, each with their own experience of the hospital, from life-saving specialist treatment to ongoing care. Together, they celebrate the children and young people cared for at Alder Hey every day, bringing to life what "Cared For With Love" means: outstanding care for every child, alongside compassion and support for the whole family. Now in its 13th year, the partnership continues to grow, giving families across the UK the opportunity to make a difference to children , young people and families at Alder Hey. Funds raised through the Matalan partnership have already contributed towards transformational initiatives, including Alder Hey's Research and Innovation Centre, alongside major appeals supporting children's mental health and surgical neonatal care - helping to builder healthier, happier and fairer futures for children and young people. Ensure our latest news and what's on headlines always appear at the top of your Google search by making us a preferred source. Click here to activate or add us as a preferred source in your Google search settings. Ella Parkinson and her youngest daughter Millie are one of the rea l Alder Hey families featured in this year’s campaign. Millie was born with multiple complex heart conditions and underwent her first open-heart surgery at just two weeks old, followed by three further open-heart surgeries within her first six months. Reflecting on what Alder Hey means to their family, Ella said: "Alder Hey is amazing. It became our home for a while, and they made such a difficult time feel so special. We feel incredibly grateful and humbled to have a healthy Millie today, and we simply can’t thank the team at Alder Hey enough.” Speaking about the partnership with Matalan , Fiona Ashcroft CEO of Alder Hey Children’s Charity, said: “There’s always such excitement and anticipation when the new Matalan x Alder Hey PJs are revealed, and this year’s design feels really different and incredibly special." She added: "We’re incredibly grateful to Matalan, its colleagues and customers for continuing to stand alongside us. Every item bought helps us make a lasting difference for children and families and brings us closer to a healthier, happier and fairer future for every child and young person." Katherine Davis, chief retail officer at Matalan, said she feels "incredibly proud" of the long-standing collaboration. She said: "What began as a charity collaboration has grown into a much-loved tradition for our customers, colleagues, and the wider Alder Hey family, reaching far beyond the North West. "Each year, we're reminded of the incredible difference we can make together, and we're delighted to support Alder Hey's families and clinicians through this special partnership. This year's collection has been designed with care and love, creating something truly special for everyone to enjoy. We think it's our best collection yet, and we hope you do too." The collection is available online at Matalan.com and in selected Matalan stores from today October, 12 while stocks last. Customers are encouraged to shop early, as previous Alder Hey pyjama collections have proven incredibly popular. Prices and sizes: Unisex Adult PJs £16, sizes XS - XXL Kids PJs from £10, sizes 1 -13 years Baby Button Up PJs £9 sizes 0-12months Kids Bathrobe £12 sizes 1 – 13 years Adult T-Shirt £8 sizes XS - XXL Kids T-Shirt sizes £6 1- 13 years Socks – Kids £2, Adult £3