Firefighters helped to spread festive cheer and put smiles on the faces of children in hospital this Christmas with a special surprise visit.
Crews from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service visited young patients on the Treetops children’s ward at University Hospital of North Durham on Monday, 15 December.
Staff on the ward invited the team from Durham Fire Station to help brighten the Christmas period for children who are spending time in hospital away from home and family.
The firefighters arrived in their fire engine and spent time chatting with the children about their role, answering questions and sharing stories from the fire service.
Station Manager Gary Tough said: “We were delighted to be invited to help raise the spirits of the children and their families in hospital this Christmas.
“Having a child in hospital for any length of time is really hard, but it can be particularly difficult at Christmas when everyone wants to be at home together. It was lovely to know we were able to help, even in a small way, to put smiles on their faces.”
They also handed out sweets, stickers and magnets, bringing plenty of excitement and festive smiles to the ward.They also handed out sweets, stickers and magnets, bringing plenty of excitement and festive smiles to the ward.
Janine Collins, Ward Manager for Treetops, added: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome our local firefighters to Treetops.
“Their visit brought an incredible amount of excitement, joy and festive cheer to our young patients and their families. The generosity shown through the gifts, the time spent chatting with the children and the kindness they brought into the ward is something we will all remember.
“On behalf of our staff, patients and families, heartfelt thanks go to the firefighters for making this festive season a little brighter for everyone here.”