In December, the one and only Father Christmas flew his helicopter to Naomi House & Jacksplace to see the children, young adults and families visiting.
After being safely escorted by the Gazelle Squadron Display Team and landing on Telly Tubby Hill at the hospices, Father Christmas jumped out of his helicopter and met with the children, young adults and family members eagerly awaiting him on the Naomi House garden pirate ship. He greeted everyone and gave a few high fives and fist bumps before heading to his hospice grotto. Each family then went into see Santa, had a chat and a photo, and every child was given a special gift, tailored to them.
The big man himself even knew a birthday was being celebrated that day and gave a special birthday gift to a little boy visiting Naomi House with his mum, dad and sister.
St Nick proceeded to enjoy some famous Naomi House & Jacksplace cake and biscuits, chatted to staff and families inside the hospices, and then ventured back to the North Pole in his chopper to prepare for a busy Christmas Eve.
Play and Activities Team Leader and Head Elf, Claire Potterton, said:
“It’s really important for our families to come and have a safe, accessible space to experience the magic together. Some of the children, young adults and families in our care can’t easily attend Christmas events and grottos, so to be able to offer that opportunity here is priceless.
“We had a wonderful day – one particular highlight for me was Father Christmas, staff, the Gazelle Squadron crew and a family all singing ‘Wheels on the Bus’ to a little boy who absolutely loves this song. Thank you so much to Father Christmas and the Gazelle Squadron Display Team for taking time out of your very busy schedules to help the families in our care make very special memories.”
Father Christmas said: “I really enjoy coming to Naomi House & Jacksplace every year and putting a smile on the faces of the good little girls and boys. The staff do such a wonderful job. Thank you so much to the fantastic team at the Gazelle Squadron for delivering me safely to and from the hospices. Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas everyone!”
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Photo credit: Jon Bolton – Charity Images
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Naomi House & Jacksplace
Naomi House & Jacksplace are hospices supporting life limited and life threatened children, young adults and their families from across the central South of England.
Naomi House nursing and medical staff provide individualised care that helps to enhance short lives and allows over 500 families to make the most of their precious time with their children.
Jacksplace is the only hospice for young adults in the South of England. The medical and care teams offer specialist care, often over many years, and uphold the dignity and independence of young adults accessing the service.
Naomi House & Jacksplace will be there on good days, difficult days and last days.
Find out more: https://www.naomihouse.org.uk/
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