Santa all set to visit local children in Manchester’s hospitals
For the third year in a row volunteers in Wythenshawe are aiming to bring some festive cheer to children in Manchester’s hospitals. The kind-hearted citizens who organise Santa’s parade, with the support of Manchester Breakdown Services, are collecting donations of new toys, sweets and selection boxes for local children who will be in hospital this Christmas.
The Santa parade will see the big man and his sleigh visiting the Tesco at Baguley at 2:30pm on Saturday 17 December, before moving on to the Brooklands Estate at 4pm to give out sweets to local children. Then, on Sunday 18 December, Santa and his Brooklands elves will be visiting the Starlight Children’s unit at Wythenshawe Hospital, the Royal Manchester Children’s hospital, Francis House Children’s Hospice and the Ronald McDonald House supporting St Mary’s Neonatal Unit.
Brooklands Tenants and Residents Association member Erica Thompson said: “Christmas is a magical time, but understandably it can be quite tough for children who’re in hospital over the festive period, even though the staff there do everything possible to brighten the wards and make the children happy. So, three years ago, we decided to do our bit to bring Christmas to local children in hospital and the Santa parade was born.
Brooklands elves: Sharon Flynn and Erica Thompson
“I’m really proud of how our community comes together to make this happen. It takes a lot of work and a lot of donations to make it happen, and we’re really thankful for the wonderful support we get from Manchester Breakdown Services. But it’s all worth it to see the children’s faces light up when they see Santa arrive with lots of gifts and sweets!”
Prominent among the volunteer team is a Mr Santa Claus. Santa told us: “I’ve always been very impressed by the wonderful community spirit displayed by the people of Wythenshawe, especially those on the Brooklands estate. It’s a pleasure to lend a hand to this wonderful effort to bring a bit of extra Christmas cheer into the lives of local children, and Erica and the team really do make such splendidly helpful elves!”
For more information on how to donate to the Brooklands Santa parade please email Brooklandscommunitytara@gmail.com.
Pictures from last years Santa parade.
