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Festive surprises bring smiles to patients at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge




Supporters and staff at Addenbrooke’s have been presenting a host of magical surprises for children in hospital this Christmas.

Patients have enjoyed everything from visits from a favourite superhero, a magician, and one of Santa’s little helpers to tasty treats.

The Jockey Club present toys to Addenbrooke’s. From left, sister Vicki Howard, emergency assistant Abigail Frost, consultant Dr Rishi Rallan and healthcare play specialist Sophie Elise Barber with Michelle Kerr, from the Jockey Club, and Christopher Ogston, general manager of The Jockey Club Room PIcture: Keith Heppell
The Jockey Club present toys to Addenbrooke’s. From left, sister Vicki Howard, emergency assistant Abigail Frost, consultant Dr Rishi Rallan and healthcare play specialist Sophie Elise Barber with Michelle Kerr, from the Jockey Club, and Christopher Ogston, general manager of The Jockey Club Room PIcture: Keith Heppell

The fun began on 11 December when Spider-man sprang into action on the children’s cancer ward before swinging over to the paediatric emergency department to spread some early Christmas cheer.

Helping out were the hospital’s dedicated play specialists and nursery nurses who are on a mission to make it a happy Christmas.

Cambridge Regional College head of culinary arts, Graham Taylor ( right ), and his colleague Julian Peck went onto the children's ward at Addenbrookes Hospital with over 100 gingerbread figures for the children to decorateto. Seen with them is patient Millie Blair 11. Picture: Keith Heppell
Cambridge Regional College head of culinary arts, Graham Taylor ( right ), and his colleague Julian Peck went onto the children's ward at Addenbrookes Hospital with over 100 gingerbread figures for the children to decorateto. Seen with them is patient Millie Blair 11. Picture: Keith Heppell

Local magician Wayne Goodman visited on 16 December, and the fun continued last Wednesday (18 December) with a visit from Cambridge Regional College head of culinary arts, Graham Taylor, and his colleague Julian Peck.

Graham’s students made more than 100 gingerbread figures for the children to decorate. In previous years, patients have tucked into everything from pancakes to smoothies.

Paul White, director of communications and impact, left, with patient Cynthia Hopkin and James Steven, a trustee of ACT and CEO of Cambridge Commodities Picture: Keith Heppell
Paul White, director of communications and impact, left, with patient Cynthia Hopkin and James Steven, a trustee of ACT and CEO of Cambridge Commodities Picture: Keith Heppell

Last Thursday (19 December), play specialist Sophie Barber welcomed representatives from The Jockey Club Newmarket to the paediatric emergency department, where they delivered a bumper supply of presents.

The gifts were among thousands donated by individuals, clubs, schools and businesses this Christmas, some of which will be saved for children’s birthdays or as ‘bravery gifts’.

Spiderman visits children at Addenbrooke's, Christmas 2024. Picture: CUH
Spiderman visits children at Addenbrooke's, Christmas 2024. Picture: CUH

And on Monday (23 December), Katie the Elf took a break from her usual North Pole duties to drop in on young patients to spread kindness, fun and tales of elf-like mischief.

Sophie said: “Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for our team and we are hugely grateful for all the support we get from the community. Their generosity never ceases to amaze us!

“It makes a huge difference to the young patients we support, especially when they are feeling unwell and a bit low about spending the festive period on a hospital ward.”

James, from Cambridge Commodities, hands gifts to staff at Addenbrooke’s Picture: CUH
James, from Cambridge Commodities, hands gifts to staff at Addenbrooke’s Picture: CUH

The fun comes as Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) and its partners push ahead with plans for Cambridge Children’s Hospital – the first specialist children’s hospital for the East of England.

Also handing out presents was a team from Cambridge Commodities and ACT, who gave gifts to staff and patients.

James Stevens, CEO of Cambridge Commodities, said: “One of the most special times in the year is Christmas and every year, at our annual festive ball, we raise money to pay for every patient who wakes up on Christmas Day to receive a gift.

“It’s just the most incredible feeling to have spent the day with members of my team who have been handing out presents they wrapped only a few days ago.”

Visit act4addenbrookes.org.uk.



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