Christmas festivities have started at St John’s Hospice in Balby, Doncaster hospice as it celebrated its Christmas tree lights switch on surrounded by staff, patients and their families on December 3. The Hospice also held the first of four Christmas parties for its Day Hospice patients and their families.
The day began with a visit from Santa to hand out presents to the hospice patients, staff helped set the tone of the event by dressing up. The Day Hospice patients enjoyed Santa’s visit and later enjoyed a three course Christmas dinner followed by lots of festive games and entertainment in the form of carol singing from staff at CAST.
During the evening staff, patients and their families attended an outside event as the Christmas lights were switched on in the hospice garden. Father Andy, Chaplain at Rotherham Doncaster and South Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), came along to bless the Christmas tree, Tim Shaw, Non-Executive director at RDaSH switched the lights on, live music accompanied the evening festivities thanks to the Salvation Army’s brass band.
Jo Brooks, Day Hospice Sister said: “We love being able to spread joy at Christmas, seeing the faces of our patients when Santa gives them a present is just priceless. Christmas is about spending time together and being happy so we try to make that happen for all our patients.”
To find out about supporting your local hospice by becoming a sponsor or to fundraise by holding an event, please contact the fundraising team on 01302 796662 or 01302 798391. Alternatively you can donate here:
http://www.stjohnshospicedoncaster.co.uk/fundraise/donate/
St John’s Hospice is run by Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH).
Pictured - Day hospice staff and patients enjoying the festivities.