Youngsters at Bristol Children’s Hospital enjoyed some festive cheer – with a visit from panto stars.
TV star Shane Richie and his co-stars Jennie Dale, Peter Piper and David O’Reilly, who are appearing in Dick Whittington at the Bristol Hippodrome, joked with young patients and their families during a visit to Caterpillar and Penguin wards.
One of the young patients to enjoy a visit was little Evie who will be spending Christmas at the hospital.
Two-and-a-half-year-old Evie arrived at the hospital in March for a gastroscopy after struggling to feed and suffering ongoing sickness.
Ahead of the surgery, medics carried out more tests which revealed Evie had a large brain stem tumour.
She then had to undergo an 18-hour operation in May which removed 90 per cent of the tumour.
Evie also had a tracheotomy and still has to be ventilated overnight.
She also suffers with apnea which means she can suddenly stop breathing, with her parents Lauren and Alfie regularly having to resuscitate her.
The family are hoping to return home to Truro in Cornwall in February where Evie will need constant care.
Lauren, 26, and Alfie, 25, are staying in Paul’s House during their time in Bristol which is funded by the Grand Appeal.
Lauren said: “We will be spending Christmas in hospital but the staff here are great and so amazing and have become like family.
“Some days it is tough but we are now coming out the other side.
“It was great to meet the panto cast who brightened up everyones’ day.”
Alfie, a postman, said: “Evie is such a happy girl and has a really bubbly personality and is always smiling.”
Former EastEnders actor Shane Richie stars as the title role in Dick Whittington at The Bristol Hippodrome, which opened earlier this month to rave reviews and runs until January 5.
He said visiting children at the hospital was a huge privilege, adding: “Christmas is all about families.
“As these children are unfortunately in hospital this Christmas and cannot come to see us in Dick Whittington with their families, it’s our pleasure to come and see them instead.”
Mark Goninon, head of nursing at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children said: “Being in hospital over the Christmas period can be particularly difficult for our patients and their families, so welcoming the Dick Whittington cast on to our wards was a wonderful festive treat.”
Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal funds cutting edge equipment, research and development facilities, a programme of arts, music and play and a range of specialist support staff at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.
Every year at Christmas, charity supporters send messages of hope and encouragement through its Christmas Stocking Appeal, which decorate the wards and departments alongside Christmas trees and decorations.
