Father Christmas has paid a visit to Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices in Hampshire, flying into the gardens in his ex-military Gazelle helicopter and giving out gifts.
After writing out a list of gifts, he fired up his 592 shaft horsepower engine and flew the helicopter over the Hampshire countryside and straight into the garden of the region’s children’s hospice.
A large crowd of the region’s children and young people with life-limiting conditions, along with their families, watched on as the helicopter made a perfect landing and Father Christmas clambered out carrying a large sack of gifts.
Every child had the chance to meet Father Christmas and take a close look at the helicopter. He then joined the children for a special party at Naomi House, handed out gifts, and tucked in to homemade mince pies.
The hospices have released a film of the occasion, showing Father Christmas in flight, landing the helicopter and meeting the children staying at the hospices for respite or emergency care.
The visit by Father Christmas is part of an ongoing programme of activities which take place at the hospice, ensuring that although the lives of youngsters visiting the hospice may be shortened, they need not be limited in enjoyment or fulfilment.
Keith Wilson, Head of Marketing at the charity said: “It was a real treat for the children and young people to be able to get up close to a helicopter in the Naomi House garden. We are really grateful to the Gazelle Squadron for arranging the visit and if they are flying past in the future, they should feel free to drop by for a cup of tea.
“Moments like these help to make Christmas extra special and full of positive memories for the families we care for. It was probably the most heartwarming day I’ve ever had at work” he added.
For more information visit Naomi House & Jacksplace
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