A thousand pounds worth of Christmas presents are being donated to children who will be spending the festive season at Frenchay hospital, thanks to the support of staff at John Lewis.

The toys are being delivered by a jolly Father Christmas on Tuesday 14^th December. He will also be spending time with the each of the children and telling them a Christmas tale.

The donation and visit to the hospital’s Barbara Russell Children’s Unit has been organised by staff at John Lewis Cribbs Causeway.  

Head of Fundraising for the hospital’s Shine together charity, Trevor Reid said, “What a wonderful gift to give to these children at such a special time of the year. We are so grateful to everyone at John Lewis for making Christmas so special for all of the children we are caring for. The visit by Father Christmas will put a smile on the faces of the children and staff alike.”

Trevor added, “The toys and gifts have all been chosen specifically for each of the individual children who will be at the hospital over Christmas. It’s a really lovely gesture.”

Liz Mihell, Managing Director, John Lewis Cribbs Causeway, said: “We look forward every year to supporting Father Christmas on his visit to the children at Frenchay Hospital and hope this will help make their stay over Christmas special.” 

The Barbara Russell Children’s Unit is a centre of excellence for the treatment of children’s burns, neurological conditions and orthopaedic surgery. It cares for more than 2,000 children every year from across the South West and beyond.