Staffordshire Police Cadets brought Christmas cheer and gifts to the children’s wards at two local hospitals.
Several cadets and their group leaders from the Burton unit made the festive trip to chat and hand out presents to the young patients at Queen’s Hospital.
And 10 cadets from the Longton and Burslem units visited the Children’s Centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital to also deliver Christmas goodies.
The children’s wards at both hospitals care for youngsters of all ages, with some expected to remain in hospital during the festive period.
The cadets, who were established by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s office in 2013 and are delivered by Staffordshire Police, dropped into the hospital to spread some goodwill and be given an insight into life in a busy children’s ward.
Matthew Ellis, Staffordshire Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime Commissioner, said: ‘We all love to spend time with our families and loved ones during the festive period.
‘But we must not forget some people can’t always be at home over Christmas and I can only imagine how difficult it is for those families and children.
‘Likewise, the dedication and commitment of medical staff is often taken for granted – for them Christmas and New Year is business as usual.
‘Their work should always be valued and appreciated. I would like to thank our Burton, Burslem and Longton cadets for taking time to visit children, bring a smile to a few faces and hand out gifts.
‘We have always tried to instil a strong sense of community spirit with our cadets and there is little doubt they found this week’s visit extremely humbling.’
Caroline Dodd, Paediatric Senior Sister for University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘It was great to welcome the Staffordshire Cadets into our department.
‘They were very respectful and caring towards our patients and their families and generously gave each child a gift. The children and staff were very excited to meet them and try on their hats.’
Tess Haynes, Child Health Matron at Royal Stoke University Hospital, said: ‘We’re very grateful that the Staffordshire Police Cadets took time to visit the children and to bring them gifts.
‘These visits are very special to the children and the parents, it was good to see them having their picture taken wearing one of the cadet’s hats and also singing some carols to the children.
‘I’d like to thank the Staffordshire Commissioner for organising the visit and bringing a bit of Christmas cheer to our children’s centre.’
