Mayoress of Fylde Geraldine Singleton MBE; Santa Kenneth Brown; Bev Sykes; Helena Palin; Mayor of Fylde, Coun John Singleton
CLIFTON Hospital has welcomed some special visitors to spread some festive cheer in the run up to Christmas.
Mayor of Fylde, Coun John Singleton and Mayoress of Flyde, Geraldine Singleton MBE, were joined by befriending group, Just Good Friends, who led a campaign for donated gifts for each patient at the hospital.
The group, accompanied by Ward 2 manager Helena Palin, spoke to each patient on all four wards.
They also gave out presents donated by the Princes’ Trust, South Shore Fire Station, Lynn Sumner from Blackpool Tesco Extra and Poplar House Surgery in St Annes.
Bev Sykes, founder of Just Good Friends, said: “We have been donating Christmas presents for the last five years.
Mayor and Mayoress with patient Pauline Cocker
“We are usually joined by singer and actress, Anne Nolan, but she is in panto this year and can’t be with us, but I know she will be thinking of everyone in Clifton.
“It is lovely to see the staff dedication and caring here at Clifton. When you see that, you want to help and as busy as the staff are, they always find time for the patients.”
Mayoress of Fylde, Geraldine Singleton MBE, said: “This was our third visit to Clifton Hospital and as ever, the staff were welcoming and friendly. We feel there is an air of calm and caring throughout the whole hospital which puts visitors and parents alike at ease.
“Without exception, each ward is warm, cosy and well maintained, but, more importantly, the nurses and teams are constantly looking after the patients’ needs.
“We were humbled by the visit and have the utmost admiration for everyone at Clifton Hospital which is a credit to the NHS and the many people and organisations who raise funds for much needed projects.
“The generosity of donors is astounding and they can be assured their gifts are put to good use. “
Ward Manager. Helena Palin said: “It makes such a difference to our patients.
Bev Sykes gives a present to patients Michael Fitzsimmons with Santa (Kenneth Brown) and elf (Emma Sykes)
“It’s great to see their faces, some patients even became emotional. It so nice that our visitors today have spared the time to chat to each patient. Our long term patients, especially, have really enjoyed chatting to someone they haven’t met before.
“People work so hard and tirelessly to spend the time to collect and give out the gifts. Thank you to everyone involved.”