This week, children and young people at Leicester Children’s Hospital were treated to some early festive cheer, thanks to a virtual Christmas grotto organised by children’s charity, Spread a Smile.
Children on various wards at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, including CICU (Children’s Intensive Care Unit) and PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit), were invited to meet Father Christmas online, giving those spending the holiday season in hospital the chance to join in the festive fun. From the comfort of their beds, the children spoke to Father Christmas, shared their Christmas wishes, and enjoyed music, magic and entertainment from the Spread a Smile elves.
The Christmas period can be a difficult time for children in hospital who may be away from family and familiar traditions. By hosting Santa’s Grotto online, Spread a Smile – who have teamed up with Leicester Children’s Hospital since 2020 – help ensure patients can still enjoy the fun at Christmas.
Helen Hayles, Play Coordinator at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, said: “We are extremely grateful to Spread a Smile – they are a fantastic charity that we have worked with for several years now.
“They provide online activity sessions for patients throughout the year and monthly visits from their entertainers. We especially look forward to the annual Santa’s grotto, the response from the children when they see Santa is magical.
“Spread a smile really do spread joy and smiles to all.”
Laura Walter, Director of Services at Spread a Smile, said: “Our work is all about spreading joy, laughter and smiles to seriously ill children and young people when they need it most.
“The grotto is our special way of making sure children in hospital can still enjoy the wonder of the festive season. Being able to meet Father Christmas and enjoy music, magic and entertainment from our elves can make such a difference.
“We are incredibly grateful to the hospital play team and ward staff for their energy, enthusiasm and support in making this possible.”