CHILDREN spending the festive season at Nevill Hall Hospital were enchanted by gifts from Father Christmas himself, who had a helping hand from a local voluntary group.

Saint Nick joined Monmouthshire all-ability group for inclusive communities (MAGIC) to spread Christmas cheer to younger patients spending the festive season confined to hospital beds.

Joining Santa on his visit were Dee Antrobus dressed as Pete the Polar Bear, MAGIC’s mascot, and Lorraine Jenkins dressed as an elf.

They were also accompanied by Donna Isaac from Flying Start, and Jane Grayer of Monmouthshire Parent Network.

The visit brought smiles to the faces of the occupants of ward W2-3, from babies giggling at Father Christmas, to doctors on their rounds who stopped for a quick hug with Pete the Polar Bear.

Paediatric Consultant, Meeta Harley, was delighted by the visit.

She said, “We try to get as many of our young patients home for the holidays as we can, but events like this are important for those who aren’t able to go home, or for those spending time in hospital in the run-up to Christmas day.”

The children’s ward largely deals with chest infections and other respiratory problems over the winter period, as well as caring for those recovering from appendicitis and with mending broken bones.

Meeta added, “At Christmas time we have some great activities for the children including Carol Singing and a Pantomime.

“Our health-play specialists Alison and Bev do a great job of organising activities for the ward throughout the year.”

After visiting the children’s ward, Santa and his friends from MAGIC also popped into Nevill Hall’s Special Care Baby Unit, which looks after babies born prematurely or with illnesses.

The group gave out toys and teethers for the babies on the ward.

Next it was on to out patients, where the MAGIC crew gave out Cadbury’s Christmas Selection boxes donated by the local Tesco store to young hospital visitors.

Alison Evans, a health-play specialist who accompanied the group, said, “The children loved this visit from Father Christmas, especially the babies and toddlers.”

The Nevill Hall children’s ward observes different holidays throughout the calendar year, and also teaches it’s in-patients about festivals from around the world, like Hanuka and Eid.

She added, “We are always grateful for community support in these events, and MAGIC have made a fantastic contribution to our Christmas season.”

Lorraine Jenkins of MAGIC said, “This has been brilliant, it’s nice for our group to do something so large, and to work in partnership with other community organisations. We have a lot more events planned for next year.”

Lorraine made a special effort to raise money for the hospital visit, making chocolate sweet trees and selling them over Facebook to raise funds for the presents that MAGIC gave out.

She initially became involved in the volunteer organisation due to the support it provided for her son after he underwent a major operation.

She added, “I would like to say thank you to all the members of the community who have supported us, and a special thanks to Tony Fleming from the Acorn Centre for his amazing contribution.”

Next year, Lorraine and other parents who volunteer for MAGIC are taking part in a 50 mile sponsored bike ride along the Taff Trail, so that the charity can continue to support children and young adults with additional needs.