A famous face at Bangor’s Ravara Training and Resource Centre, for adults with learning disabilities, bus driver Ian Sharratt donned a Santa suit to sprinkle some Christmas across the Trust.
The Resource Centre recently held its annual Christmas celebrations complete with an amazing grotto, and a gift for all the service users. Adult Support Worker Kirsty Dickson explained how gifts that were left over from their recent fun day were parcelled up to surprise children on the Paediatric Ward at the Ulster Hospital this week.
Ian and Kirsty, transformed into Santa and Mrs Claus to visit the Children’s Ward with Ian beginning his day at the park-and-ride shuttle bus service, handing out tea and coffee to staff on their way to work.
Families were delighted to see the pair adding festive cheer to the Children’s Ward.
For mum Lynsey Mitchell, whose baby Willow is recovering from RSV, the visit was a heart-warming surprise.
“It brings a lot of festive joy to the parents and the children, especially at this time of year. It lifts up your mood and the spirit on the ward,” remarked Lynsey.
Ian (Santa!) described how, “It was lovely but very emotional” after making his rounds on the wards.
Kirsty (Mrs Claus!) agreed saying, “I’m so glad we visited. It’s been lovely. It’s amazing. You would want do it every single day. It’s so worth and we met the tiniest Grinch ever!”
“Nobody wants to be in hospital but the fact that they’re here over Christmas just makes it a bit worse, so it was nice to be able to go round and see all their wee happy faces,” added Kirsty.
Health Play Specialist Sharon Pauley said, “We want to thank Mr and Mrs Claus for visiting the Children’s Wards. It was a lovely surprise and we really appreciated it.”