Wickes Community Programme, in collaboration with their supplier Norfolk Leisure, has brought the magic of the festive season to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) by generously donating three artificial Christmas trees.
Co-ordinated with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity), Michael Stylianou, Lead for Paediatric Procedural Anxiety and Debrief in the GOSH operating theatres, highlighted the significance of the donation, stating: “We used to have three Christmas trees in the theatre department, but they were unable to be used due to their age and deteriorating condition. These trees hold a special place in the hearts of children, especially at the theatre’s reception, where they serve as a source of joy for those coming in for surgery.”
Stylianou further explained the positive impact of the Christmas trees on the young patients, noting: “Many of these patients understandably experience anxiety upon arrival, but when they see the Christmas tree, it changes their focus. The tree becomes a topic of conversation, shifting their thoughts away from surgery.”Naomi Woodstock, Wickes Community Programme Manager, expressed her delight in being able to support, stating: “We were really happy to partner with our suppliers Norfolk Leisure for the Christmas trees and Ready2deliver who delivered them to help bring a bit of Christmas magic to GOSH at a time when children and families need it most.”
Every day, GOSH sees around 750 seriously ill children and young people, who arrive at the hospital in need of life-changing care. GOSH Charity raises money to fund the hospital’s most urgent needs, over and above what the NHS can afford. GOSH Charity is currently raising money for its Christmas Appeal, to help get as many children as possible home to their families in time for Christmas. It also helps the hospital feel like a home from home for children whose treatment needs to continue over the festive season.
The Wickes Community Programme is open to all local community groups seeking help for improvement projects.
Find out more by going to www.wickes.co.uk/community-
