On Monday afternoon, patients, families, and staff gathered at the main entrance to Leeds Children’s Hospital to celebrate the start of the festive season with the switching on of the Christmas lights.
The beautiful stars and snowflakes were switched on by former Blue Peter presenter Mwaka ‘Mwaksy’ Mudenda who led the count-down.
This year Children’s Heart Surgery Fund were proud to join hospital workers, charity staff, patients, and their families for a face-to-face Christmas lights switch-on event at Clarendon Wing for the first time since the start of the pandemic in 2020.
Several charities that support departments within Leeds Children’s Hospital – including Children’s Heart Surgery Fund – made the event go with a festive swing.
Leeds Hospitals Charity, Candlelighters, The Millie Wright Children’s Charity and Sick Children’s Trust all contributed to the event with stalls, mince pies, hot chocolate, Disney characters, craft activities, live music and lots more!
There was even a specially arranged early visit from Father Christmas himself!
CHSF’s Marketing Team, Head of Marketing Andy McNally and Digital Marketing Manager Olivia Lewis entertained the crowd by busking their way through a dozen Christmas classics.
These included a rendition of East 17’s festive number one ‘Stay Another Day’ – which is the name of CHSF’s 2023 Christmas appeal to raise £10k for future parent accommodation. [Find out more]
Harrogate-based Lucy’s Pop Choir also provided Christmas music with over 30 singers lifting the roof of Clarendon Wing. The event also included a low sensory area for patients, bauble making workshops and the opportunity to write a letter to Father Christmas!
We would also like to say a very special thank you to the lovely volunteers from Barratt Homes and the Ibis Styles Leeds Arena, who helped us sell reindeer food, spread festive cheer and make the event so special for staff, patients and families alike!
We had such a brilliant time celebrating with everyone at Leeds Children’s Hospital – officially starting the countdown to Christmas!
Alfie’s Story
17-year old Alfie’s family found out he had congenital heart disease (CHD) when he was just 2 months old. Following multiple procedures, Alfie is now enjoying life both as a teenager and keen LUFC supporter, as mum Kirsty tells us: “Alfie was only 7 weeks old when we...
Zak’s Story
We know it’s vitally important to share your journeys with congenital heart disease. Your experiences are both reassuring and educational for other heart families, and provide vital awareness for others. 3-year old Zak’s condition was found by complete coincidence,...
Alessia Mae’s Story
Alessia Mae is fast approaching her first birthday, but at birth she was sent urgently to her local hospital as she was critically low on oxygen and had open heart surgery at just a day old in Leeds.Mum Tierney tells the full story… “Alessia Mae was born on the 21st...