Young cancer patients being cared for on Kamran's Ward at the Oxford Children's Hospital have been treated to a special Christmas party to kick of the festive season.

Staff on the ward organised the event with entertainment, music, face painting, balloon modelling and of course a special visit from Father Christmas and Mrs Claus.

There was a lovely moment when a former patient came back to perform a beautiful ballet dance. 12-year-old Layla was two years old when she was first diagnosed with cancer, and she spent 14 months having chemotherapy and being cared for in the hospital. Now she is an accomplished dancer who has even represented her country.

Kamran's Ward staff and members of the Oxford Hospitals Charity team

Children and their siblings spent two hours at the event, which took place within the hospital. They enjoyed special craft activities as well as the entertainment and a Christmas buffet.

Dr Amy Mitchell, Consultant Paediatric and Adolescent Oncologist, said:

“When you look after children with cancer it’s so important to ensure there are moments of fun and joy for them to experience.

"And this Christmas party did just that. With music, dancing, face-painting, balloon modelling and of course a special visit from Father Christmas and Mrs Clause, it was wonderful to see our young patients having so much fun and just being able to get on and be children.

"Many came with their siblings, and that is also important, as when a child has cancer it really does affect the whole family.

“I was really proud of the Kamran’s Ward team at the Oxford Children’s Hospital who came out in force to make the event happen and it was great working with the Oxford Hospitals Charity team who helped to fund the refreshments and entertainment.”

Oxford Hospital's Charity are focusing on supporting young patients through their Christmas Appeal, which aims to help every child in hospital feel like a superhero. Click Christmas Superheroes Appeal to find out more and help their work across the hospitals.