Special visitors to Nottingham Children’s Hospital
We’ve partnered with the Play Specialists at Nottingham Children’s Hospital to bring some extraordinary visitors to the wards, offering a welcome distraction for young patients and their families.
Thanks to your generous donations, we’ve funded a six-month initiative as part of the Grant a Christmas Wish project, bringing a variety of animals – including snakes, tarantulas, and geckos – alongside some cuddly companions to create unique and memorable experiences for children during their hospital stay.
The first of these visits took place this week, with the animals instantly becoming the stars of the show! While snakes might not be the first creatures that spring to mind in a therapeutic setting, it was gentle ball python Crystal who stole the spotlight, with children and staff mustering the courage to get up close and personal with her.
The project not only aims to provide a much-needed distraction from treatments and time on the wards but also helps to reduce stress and feelings of isolation for these young patients, many of whom face extended stays in hospital.
Play Specialist Laura Lennon has seen the impact of the project first-hand. She said:
“As a play specialist at Queen’s Medical Centre, I’m so grateful to Nottingham Hospitals Charity for making it possible to fund such fun and exciting events for our young patients. Providing regular experiences like these means the impact of charity donations goes much further, creating lasting memories for our patients and their families and a welcome distraction from the hospital environment.”
These animal encounters will continue monthly until June 2025, ensuring our Grant a Wish project delivers joy and brings smiles to young patients well beyond the festive season.
Rebecca Jackson from Animal Encounters shared why activities like these are so beneficial for children in hospital and why she finds the project so fulfilling. She said:
“Visiting the hospital is one of my favourite venues to hold these sessions. I love that bringing animals to patients and their families brings an instant smile to their faces, and I can really see how it helps to take their minds off being in hospital. It’s a truly rewarding experience for everyone involved.”
Katie Darby, mum to 12-year-old Hugo, whose favourite part of the session was meeting the guinea pigs, said:
“Hugo has been in hospital for a month now, so things like this are making his days more enjoyable and giving him new experiences. Little things like this are taking the edge off the fact he’s not at home for Christmas.”
This small project is already making a huge difference, creating lasting positive memories for these children – and none of it would have been possible without your donations.
To help us continue supporting meaningful projects like this, please donate below.