Christmas joy was delivered to youngsters as Father Christmas paid a magical visit to the sick children at Hinchingbrooke Hospital’s Holly Ward.
On Friday, presents donated by Hunts Posts readers as part of the Holly’s Little Helpers appeal were delivered by Santa and his elves to help lift the spirits of children staying at the Huntingdon hospital this Christmas.
The hundreds of donated presents, ranging from teddy bears, colouring sets, games, toy diggers and Disney’s Frozen memorabilia, will be given to children who stay on the ward, and be used for stockings on Christmas Day.
First to be visited by Father Christmas was Millie Flowers, of Lawrence Road, St Neots, who was being allowed to go home on Friday.
Mum Jo Flowers, said: “It is lovely that Santa has come into see Millie today and the rest of the children as it cheers them up a bit. It was a bit of a shock for Millie to be in hospital but this is a great thing for her.”
Next up was Isaac Hutchings, who is one-years-old, and his twin sister Beatrice, who came to see her brother.
Mum Marie Hutchings, from March, said: “It was great timing that Beatrice came into see Isaac as they both go to see Santa. It is a really lovely thing for Isaac to see Father Christmas as he was meant to be going to a party yesterday.”
The twins have both written their lists to Santa with Isaac hoping for anything cars and Beatrice is wishing for lots of books.
Surprised to see Santa was 18-month-old Oscar David, from Darrington Close, St Neots, who received a toy digger and was ecstatic to rip open the wrapping paper.
Nikki, Oscar’s mum, said: “It was a real surprise for both of us to see Father Christmas but it is a lovely thing for Oscar to get a visit. We are all looking forward to having a lovely family Christmas.”
The youngster who was most thrilled with her gift from Santa was 22-month-old Delilah who received a teddy bear as big as her.
Mum Hollie Benn, of Barley Close, St Ives, was thrilled that Father Christmas came to see Delilah after her operation.
She said: “It is lovely and a really nice thing to do as she has never had an operation before and this has made us all feel a little less anxious. I think for Christmas Delilah really wants a rabbit but she loves the teddy bear.”
For the staff on Holly Ward it helps them deliver smiles and a surprise present to children that are admitted to hospital throughout the festive time.
Health play specialist, Liz Webb said: “We are really grateful to all the Hunts Post readers that have donated presents. It is really really helpful for us in making sure we have got presents to give to the children in the Holly Ward, the Special Care Baby Unit and in A&E to spread Christmas cheer.”
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