Oxford Children’s Hospital has enjoyed a visit from Santa after he flew into the hospital by helicopter to deliver more 200 presents to young patients.
The landing of the Puma helicopter from RAF Benson on the John Radcliffe Hospital helipad, paired with a pop-up grotto near the Children’s Hospital, brought festive excitement to kids and staff alike.
Presents were also distributed to children too unwell to meet Santa personally and to residents at nearby Ronald McDonald House.
Jo Pinney, senior play specialist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), said: "It can be difficult for young patients and their families to spend time in hospital at Christmas time, so we do what we can to make it as enjoyable as we can.
"Lots of children – as well as staff – enjoyed watching Santa arrive by helicopter, and some were able to meet Saint Nick at his grotto and receive a memorable gift."
Alongside the efforts of OUH staff and RAF Benson, the wider public has the opportunity to contribute to making a patient’s Christmas brighter.
Donations to Oxford Hospitals Charity’s Give a Gift campaign can be made through their website.
The campaign raises funds to provide customised gifts for patients of all ages in the hospital over the festive period.
Sarah Vaccari, from Oxford Hospitals Charity, said: "This is always such a special event and we are incredibly grateful to RAF Benson and Santa for this festive flying visit.
"We are also incredibly grateful to all those across Oxfordshire supporting our annual Give a Gift appeal.
"This allows our charity to fund bespoke gifts for children and older patients in hospital on Christmas Day.
"There’s still time to make sure no-one in hospital is forgotten this Christmas by donating via the Oxford Hospitals Charity website."
Group Captain Chris Royston-Airey, station commander at RAF Benson, said: "The Santa Drop is without doubt one of RAF Benson’s finest traditions.
"Being able to bring joy and Christmas cheer to children across Oxfordshire and in particular those in hospital is an absolute privilege.
"It is of course a whole force effort: support staff, engineers, Air Crew and not forgetting Father Christmas himself."
John Plumer, house manager at Ronald McDonald House Oxford, added: "Having this special visit from Father Christmas, courtesy of service personnel from RAF Benson, has put so many smiles on faces.
"On behalf of all the families we’re looking after this festive period, I’d like to thank them for this kind and generous gesture."
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