On Friday 6 December, Santa Claus was joined by over 20 Christmas elves from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service as they delivered some festive cheer to young inpatients and outpatients at The Great North Children’s Hospital and The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.
Gifts and Santa in the air
Across the day, the Fire Service helpers handed out presents that had been kindly donated by staff at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) and members of its Sports and Welfare Club.
Young people, aged from newborns to 18-years old, were all given a special gift, and to make sure nobody was left out, Santa was even hoisted 32 metres into the air in the cage of an Aerial Ladder Platform to wave at patients.
TWFRS employees visited from across Tyne & Wear, including Service Headquarters in Washington, as well as Byker and Marley Park Community Fire Stations.
The visit was organised in conjunction with the Newcastle Hospitals Charity, who organise a programme of festive activities for Newcastle Hospitals.
A proud association
Watch Manager Barry McSherry of Byker Community Fire Station said:
“The Fire Service is proud to continue its festive association with The Great North Children’s Hospital and The Freeman Hospital – an annual visit that has been a welcomed feature in our Christmas calendar for over 20 years.
“To see the smiles on the faces of the brave and courageous young people is heartwarming, and to think that we can bring some festive cheer at a difficult time is just amazing.”
Amy Mancini charity events and volunteer manager at Newcastle Hospitals Charity said: “We’re so grateful to Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for all their support over the festive period. While it’s never nice to spend Christmas in hospital, support like this can make a huge difference and help bring some festive cheer to our young patients.”
Merry Christmas from everyone at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.
