Young patients at the Oxford Children’s Hospital got a special treat when Father Christmas flew in on a puma helicopter, laden down with gifts for poorly children.

 

The annual gift drop by RAF Benson is a highlight of the year for the hospital, with children, parents and staff watching excitedly from the hospital windows as Santa flies in.

 

 

 

 

Oxford Hospitals Charity works with the play specialists in the hospital to create a special grotto setting for Santa to spend time with the children and hand out gifts that have been donated by 43 schools from around the county.

 

Jo Pinney, Health Play Specialist Team Manager at the hospital, thanked the RAF team, saying: "Spending time in hospital around Christmas can be difficult for young patients and their families. Father Christmas’ presence and the presents make a huge difference to our patients.

 

“lots of children and staff enjoyed watching and waving to Santa as he arrived by helicopter, and some were able to meet him at his grotto to receive a Christmas gift.

 

“We are extremely grateful to RAF Benson for bringing Santa to us and for their continued support and donations. We are also very thankful to others who help make Christmas as special a time as possible for all our patients in hospital."

 

Flight lieutenant Chris Northcote, from RAF Benson, said: "Being able to bring joy and Christmas cheer to children across Oxfordshire, and particularly to those in the hospital, is an absolute privilege.

 

“It is the collective efforts of the support staff, engineers, Air Crew and Father Christmas himself that makes this tradition a success each time.

 

“The Santa Drop has been one of RAF Benson's finest traditions. We aim to make this visit extra special because this is the last Santa Drop on the Puma, as it will cease operations soon.”

 

Jamie French, Hospital Engagement Manager from Oxford Hospital Charity, said: “It is such a highlight when RAF Benson fly in with their VIP guest, Father Christmas. Children across the hospital get so much pleasure from this very special visit, and it also provides a wonderful little boost for staff.

 

“We are incredibly grateful to the RAF and all the local schools who donate special gifts for our young patients – it’s the perfect way to kickstart the festive season.”

 

Individuals and organisations can donate to Oxford Hospitals Charity to help them provide gifts to children and older patients in hospital across the Trust over the festive period. Their Christmas fundraising appeal this year is also encouraging local people to ‘help a child in hospital feel like a superhero’.

 

Thank you to all those already helping to raise smiles across our hospitals this Christmas. You can help by supporting our  Christmas fundraising appeal this year to ‘help a child in hospital feel like a superhero’.