Santa Claus paid a magical visit to children at Hinchingbrooke Hospital’s Holly Ward on Friday.
Presents donated by Hunts Post readers as part of the Holly’s Little Helpers appeal were delivered by Father Christmas and his elves, from Luminus and the Post, to help lift the spirits of children spending time at the Huntingdon hospital this Christmas.
Dozens of presents were donated, ranging from books to teddy bears, colouring sets to games and, of course, children’s festive favourite Disney’s Frozen memorabilia.
First to be visited by St Nicholas was three-year-old Tommy Allen, of Coneygear Road, Huntingdon, who hopes to recover from an ear operation just in time for Christmas.
Mum Josie Loia, said: “Seeing Santa has really cheered him up as he is really looking forward to Christmas.
“We hope that Tommy will be better in time for Christmas as it is a 10-day recovery.”
According to Josie, Tommy hopes more than anything to unwrap a brown tow truck on Christmas Day.
Next up was Forhan Islen who was also in hospital after having an operation on his ear.
The 14-year-old, of Kent Road, in Huntingdon, was lucky enough to be given a bottle of aftershave from Father Christmas.
Surprised to see Santa was four-year-old Fordia Calsas who had come to see his five-day-old sister Chelsea, who had her first glimpse of Santa.
Mum Agnes, from East Street, in St Neots, said: “It is a surprise to see Santa as we didn’t expect him to come in.
“He [Fordia] told me that he saw Santa outside but I didn’t know he would be coming in to see all the children.”
The family took baby Chelsea home on Friday and are looking forward to spending their first Christmas together.
One youngster who was overjoyed to see Father Christmas was two-year-old Leonie Cole-Wilkin, of Viscount Court, in Eaton Socon.
After handing a present to her one-year-old sister, Zoe, Leonie opened her gift to see a doll inside.
Mum Kerry, said: “It was fabulous to have Santa here as it has cheered up all the kids on the ward.”
Also enjoying a visit was five-year-old Mia McGreevy, and her sister Matilda, 2, who had come to see her sibling.
The pair, from Cambridge were both stunned as Santa walked through the ward door, as was eight-month-old Kayden Jack Barnes, of Manea.
For the staff on Holly Ward it helps them deliver smiles and a surprise present to children who are admitted to hospital throughout the festive period.
Health play specialist, Liz Webb said: “Delivering the presents is really important, it just makes the children so happy and the smiles that it brings gives us so much enjoyment.
“We really appreciate all the donations from The Hunts Post readers, without the support we wouldn’t be able to give out as much as we do.”
The rest of the gifts will be handed out to children who stay on the ward over the festive period, and used for stockings on Christmas Day.
There will also be Christmas joy for siblings on the ward as staff will give presents to those visiting as well.
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