Children being treated at Stevenage’s Lister Hospital got a special Easter treat at the weekend when a colourful band of Disney characters handed out Easter parcels laden with goodies.
Volunteers for the newly established Herts Angels charity collected donations of chocolate eggs, teddies and other treats from local people, shops and businesses and took them along to the hospital’s Bluebell Ward and children’s emergency department on Easter Sunday.
They also delivered gift baskets to residents with dementia at Pinelodge Care Home in Graveley Road.
Herts Angels founder Max Taylor, said: “‘Little smiles Easter surprise’ went just as planned yesterday.
“The team did an amazing job and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
“Before they knew it, an array of Disney characters were walking through the door armed with bags filled with chocolate eggs, teddies, activity books and many other bits and pieces.
“Their faces lit up and the laughter followed
“We went round the children’s Bluebell Ward, children’s A&E and also paid a visit to other wards where children were walking around with parents.
“Each child got to ask the team questions, have photos taken, receive gifts and join in the fun times.
“We then turned our attention to the staff and presented them with a custom made cake to show our thanks for what they do. The work they put into this community is unparalleled and they deserve a lot more recognition.”
Of the visit to the care home Max said: “We have never spoken too such an amazing bunch of people. We had people up dancing and many fun-filled conversations were had.
“Easter isn’t just about sitting at home, cracking into an egg and waiting for your new soap to appear on the box. It’s about spreading love and joy and making sure that everyone out of the four walls of your home is in the best position possible.”
Jane Shaw from the Bluebell Ward, said: “Thank you so much for such a wonderful visit to the Bluebell Ward on Easter Sunday. I am told that all the children and staff thoroughly enjoyed your visit. I think the staff were particularly moved that you had bought a cake for them as well - that was a lovely touch.
“I hope you and your team all enjoyed the morning as well. Your hard work and thoughtfulness in putting this all together is very much appreciated, and I hope that we might see you again sometime in the future.”
Max said he wishes to thank Stevenage Minibus Hire which drove the team to and from the event, makeup artist Charlie Ann who helped bring the characters to life, Baker Street Cafe which gave the crew space to get ready, Becca Briffitt from Beccas Cakes, Fancy Pants Fancy Dress Hire and Tesco, Waitrose, Asda and Sainsbury’s, all of which made donations.
The next Herts Angels event will be a charity gig in August which will have a ‘secret’ headline act.
We will publish more details as we have them.
To find out more about Herts Angels, search for them on Facebook.
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