Posted on: 14 Dec 2023
Young patients at Nottingham Children’s Hospital received a special visit from a familiar festive face yesterday (Wednesday 13th December), just in time for Christmas.
Santa Claus paid a visit to the children’s hospital, which is based at the Queen’s Medical Centre, to spread some festive cheer and give out gifts to young patients.
The surprise was organised by Nottingham Hospitals Charity, which is raising money through the Big Appeal to bring a smile to the faces of children and young people at Nottingham Children’s Hospital this Christmastime.
The big man himself set up camp in his very own Santa’s Grotto in the Children’s Outpatients clinic, where he and Mrs Claus greeted children and their families throughout the day, giving out gifts and smiling for photographs.
Presents, such as selection boxes, sweets, toys and books, were donated by local businesses, and other companies volunteered their time to help out on the day, including East Midland Forklifts, Handelsbanken, Hillarys, Nottingham Rugby Club, Rolls Royce, Shredall SDS Group and Wetherspoons.
Players and staff from Nottingham Rugby also visited children on several wards, bringing smiles to the faces of young fans and their families.
Louise Knight, Head of Fundraising at Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “It was wonderful to welcome Santa Claus to Nottingham Children’s Hospital and see him light up the faces of young patients.
“No child wants to be in hospital, especially over Christmastime, so we are so pleased to have been able to bring some joy and laughter to those who have found themselves here this week.”
As well as this week’s visit, Nottingham Hospitals Charity will also continue to provide gifts for children in hospital through its Grant a Christmas Wish campaign. People can donate any amount, no matter how large or small, and help bring a smile to the face of a baby or child in hospital this Christmas.
Donations will help provide toys, games and activities, specially chosen by the hospital’s experienced Play Specialists, for children and young people who find themselves on a hospital ward this festive season.
This is part of the Charity’s Big Appeal for Nottingham Children’s Hospital, which is raising money to provide new equipment and improved facilities for Nottingham’s youngest patients.
