Christmas joy came early with Santa’s hospital visit
04/12/2024
Santa arrives via Puma helicopter (Credit: Oxford Medical Illustration)
Poorly patients staying at Oxford Children's Hospital enjoyed a visit from Santa after he flew in by helicopter to drop off more than 200 Christmas presents donated by local schools.
Santa Claus landed at the John Radcliffe Hospital helipad in a Puma helicopter from RAF Benson, donning flying gears and his usual Santa suit to spread some festive cheer on Tuesday 3 December.
Santa delivered goodies to families staying at Ronald McDonald House Oxford, also on the John Radcliffe Hospital site, before handing out gifts from his pop-up grotto, provided by Oxford Hospitals Charity, at the Children's Hospital, part of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH).
Jo Pinney, Health Play Specialist Team Manager at OUH, said: "Spending time in hospital around Christmas can be difficult for young patients and their families. Father Christmas’ presence and the gifts make a huge difference to our patients, their families, and the staff.
"Like always, children, their families, and staff enjoyed watching and waving to Santa as he arrived by helicopter, and some were able to meet Saint Nick at his grotto and receive their Christmas gifts.
"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 everyone who makes Christmas as special a time as possible for all our patients in hospital."
Flight Lieutenant Chris Northcote, the Project Officer for Santa Drop 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."
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'.
Donations can be made via the Oxford Hospitals Charity website.
Jamie French, Hospital Engagement Manager from Oxford Hospitals 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 is the perfect way to kickstart the festive season."
John Plumer, House Manager at Ronald McDonald House Oxford, said: "We do everything we can at the House to make Christmas as special as possible for families with a sick child in Oxford Children's Hospital over the festive period.
"We are so grateful to the service personnel from RAF Benson. They have once again taken time out of their busy schedules to organise a special visit from Father Christmas. They've helped to create some sweet memories for families going through some challenging times. Our sincere thanks to everyone involved in making this magical event happen."