Children cheered by Christmas gifts from generous wellwishers

22.12.21

Children on a paediatric ward will be showered with goodies this Christmas because of the generosity of others.

Despite it being a hard year emotionally and financially for many individuals and businesses, there have been hundreds of heart-warming donations to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd’s children’s ward.

Young people stuck in hospital will have cuddly toys, selection boxes and a host of other presents to spread a little festive cheer during their treatment.

On Tuesday the department received one hundred cuddly toys and 100 individually wrapped selection boxes from Lyons Holiday Parks, which operates a site at Talacre.

After 72 hours of quarantine have elapsed little ones will be able to take their pick from cuddly bears, animals and unicorns.

Joseph Lyons Mound, director of Lyons Holiday Parks, said: “Christmas is all about giving and we hope this small gesture goes a long way, especially this year.

“We can’t put into words the effects the last year has had on the NHS and if this small donation boosts spirits just that little bit then that’s good enough for us.

“From one family to another we’d like to wish all the staff, children and patients at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd a peaceful and quiet Christmas.”

Donations have also been gratefully received from: Presthaven; Giddo’s Gifts; Christchurch School, Rhyl; Starlight Children’s Charity; Tik – Dance School, Rhyl and Lyons Holiday Parks.

Cara Roberts, ward manager of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd’s paediatric ward, said: “Christmas can be a difficult time for children in hospital and that is magnified because of the pandemic.

“It’s humbling to see the gifts people have collected for our children and I would like to thank everyone for their generosity.

“We always try to make Christmas a special time for children on the ward but these gifts will certainly put a few extra smiles on their faces.”

There was also a generous donation for children staying at Ysbyty Gwynedd over Christmas from staff and families at RAF Valley on Anglesey.