Anne Nolan and guests spread some Christmas cheer at Clifton hospital

ANNE Nolan and guests handed out Christmas presents to patients at Clifton hospital yesterday.

Arranged by Fylde coast charity Just Good Friends, of which Anne is patron, the helpers included Santa, police cadets and Police Community Support Officers and the fire service.

Patients were overjoyed to receive gifts and meet the visitors who spread the festive cheer.

One patient, Pat Lawton, was delighted with her gift.

She said: “It’s really lifted my spirits.

“This is the first year I won’t have a Christmas tree because I have been in hospital, but Christmas has come to me.

“I’ll thank all of you for many days to come.”

On hearing this, staff found a spare tree and put it in Pat’s room, much to her delight.

Patient Pat Lawson on seeing her Christmas tree

Patient Pat Lawson on seeing her Christmas tree with Bev Sykes and police cadet Leah Jumeaux

This was the fourth year that Anne has visited the hospital at Christmas along with Bev Sykes, the founder of Just Good Friends.

Bev said: “I want to thank everyone who donated a gift.

“A lot of people are spending Christmas in hospital and they are not alone. It’s about human contact and showing we care.

“Hopefully, some patients will contact Just Good Friends who are always here to help.”

Patients also enjoyed a visit from James Morris who dressed as Santa and fulfilled his own ambition of being Father Christmas for a day.

ard 1 staff with Santa, Ann, Bev and Christine Howe from Just Good Friends

Ward 1 staff with Santa, Anne, Bev and Christine Howe from Just Good Friends

Anne said: “Coming here makes Christmas seem more worthwhile and the reaction from the patients makes me feel good.

“It’s lovely to bring a bit of happiness especially for those who are on their own.

“One of the patients even sang ‘I’m In the Mood for Dancing’ to me, which was so funny.”

PSCO Emily Atherton with her nana Rona Atherton

PSCO Emily Atherton with her nana Rona Atherton

 

 

Posted in Home Page, People Centred, Positive, Press Releases.