11am – I requested permission from Santa to leave the North Pole and visit the Rainbow ward at North Middlesex Hospital in North London, to spread some Christmas cheer and give out presents. (He, of course, said yes!)
11.30am – I made my way to Athona Recruitment in Brentwood, Essex to meet the Athona team who I’d be accompanying to the hospital. (Their names were Laura Griffiths, Richie Daysh and Rebecca Buckland – you can see us all together in the pictures above.)
1pm – Set off to North Middlesex Hospital with Christmas songs blasting.
2.30pm – We met our friends, Billie and Emma, on the Rainbow Ward of North Middlesex Hospital.
3pm-4pm – Suited and booted, we made our way round the ward to hand out presents and spread Christmas cheer. It was lovely to see so many smiling faces of excited children (and some parents too). I even got the chance to play ‘Crocodile Dentist’ with one little boy – he was so good at it! I had my picture taken with a few of the children who were extra excited to have us around.
4.05pm – Took a few extra requests for Christmas stockings.
4.15pm – After a long day of festivities, I made my way back to Brentwood with Laura and hung up my elf hat for the rest of the day.
Athona would like to thank North Middlesex Hospital for having us, it was lovely to meet some patients and understand more about the good work our doctors do.