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 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.
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.
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’.
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.”
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.