December 20, 2013 2.08 pm This story is over 123 months old

Christmas comes early at Lincoln hospital kids ward

Christmas kindness: Children at Lincoln hospital children’s wards have begun their Christmas celebrations early after some generous donations.
Photo: Emily Norton

The team at the Lincoln branch of Adecco Recruitment UK have been busy collecting donations for children in Lincoln County Hospital’s Rainforest Ward this Christmas.

On December 20, children who face spending the holiday at the ward were re-introduced to their playroom after an installation of £700-worth of new toys.

Candidate Consultant Francesca Lombers arranged the donation after being inspired by the Adecco Sheffield branch, who are also donating toys to children.

With a deadline of four days Francesca, with the help of other staff members, managed to enlist the help of 11 Lincoln businesses.

The group were able to visit Toys R Us armed with a wish list provided by the Lincoln children’s ward. They left with some 56 toys.

Francesca said: “Now that I’m here I am really emotional. I couldn’t imagine having to stay in hospital over Christmas.

“I feel really proud. I have had a lot of help from my team. I can’t believe the positive response that we’e had from all of the local companies, and at such short notice.

“Of the wish list we have been able to donate every item plus about three times more.

“I must give a special mention to James Dawson Managing Director Paul Edwards who donated £200, as well as Louisa Rounsley from G4S and Faye Yarwood from Running Imp, who each donated £100.”

Carol Gannon, ward sister for Rainforest and Safari and Children’s outpatients, said: “This donation will make such a difference to the ward. It really is an incredible effort and it’s great that so many people from the local community have supported the cause and donated.

“We are really busy at the ward right now and we have at least 10 or 15 children that will need to stay here Christmas Day. We will be tying to send as many of the poorly children home for Christmas that we can, even if that means just sending them out for the day.”

The following companies also made generous donations:

  • Siemens
  • Ruddocks of Lincoln
  • Blueprint Gaming
  • AM Roofing
  • RM Building
  • Bass Cabs
  • Tesco Express, High Street
  • Cafe Nero – who donated a Christmas hamper for the nurses

Lincoln City Football Club visits the children’s wards

Earlier this week, Lincoln City Footballers treated children at Lincoln City Hospital to their gifts in time for Christmas.

On visiting the Rainforest and Safari children’s wards, Alan Power, Captain of Lincoln City Football Club said, “It’s very important for us to come to see the local children, especially around Christmas.

“It’s great that we can come to shed some light from the footballers, and is important for us to be able to help with the community in this way.”