Little Saint Nic, 8, donates selection boxes to sick kids in hospital over Christmas

An eight-year-old ‘Saint Nicholas’ with complex heart defects gifted hundreds of selection boxes to sick kids stuck in hospital this Christmas.

Dayn Montgomery, from Prestwick, gifted a whopping 215 selection boxes and other goodies to Crosshouse hospital, thanks to help from his community who banded together in aid of his appeal.

Beaver Scout Dayn started his appeal by asking the beavers, cubs and scouts of the 14th Ayrshire Scout Group, Prestwick, to donate a selection box, toiletries or other festive treats.

And pretty soon, the whole community rallied behind him to ensure he smashed his original target of 150 selection boxes.

Dayn received help from friends at The 18th Ayrshire Scout Group, Kingcase Primary — where Dayn attends school — Morrisons Ayr and the wider Prestwick Community.

Dayn said: “I really enjoyed collecting for the other children at the hospital and loved sharing all the selection boxes and Christmas goodies out.”

Beaver Scout Dayn surrounded by selection box and Christmas goodies donations (14th Ayrshire Scout Group)

Dayn, in his Beaver Scout uniform, shows off some chocolate which was donated to kids in hospital (14th Ayrshire Scout Group)

14th Ayrshire Scout leader Fiona Hainey said: “When Dayn asked our Beaver Group to help with his appeal our full Scout Group never hesitates.

“Dayn has always shown a commitment to helping others who are less fortunate them himself.

Dayn Montgomery, 8, delivers the donations to University Hospital Crosshouse (14th Ayrshire Scout Group)

“Dayn is a gift to those he’s around. His positive attitude and charitable nature is humbling.

“Young people like Dayn represent the best values and traditions of Scouting. I could not be prouder of him.”

A spokesperson for University Hospital Crosshouse said: “A huge thank you to everyone who supported Dayn’s Christmas charity appeal.

“At the last count a massive 215 Selection boxes were donated and over 70 essential toiletries.

“This is a simple albeit humble act of kindness that will definitely put a huge smile on each child’s face who has been admitted and will be admitted over the Christmas period.”

The hospital spokesperson added that Dayn’s donations were helpful in “supporting parents and guardians who didn’t have time to pack any personal care items prior to their child’s admission.”

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