Long-term Shrewsbury hospital patients have been given some extra festive cheer this Christmas after more than 40 presents were donated by a dedicated group of fundraisers.
The Christmas presents were provided by Berrington League of Friends as part of the Umbrella Appeal at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
The group has now been donating presents to Ward 22 at the hospital for over 15 years and earlier this year paid for a new blood pressure monitor to be installed at a cost of £999.
Patients young and old on the stroke and rehabilitation wards will now have an extra present to open on Christmas Day thanks to the group, which takes donations from the public as well as holding fundraising events throughout the year.
Julie Adney, league chairman for 11 years, said: “The people in ward 22 are relatively long-term patients and this seems to be a nice thing to do to brighten up their day.
“There are a lot of people who support us and that is very humbling. Shropshire has a lot of generosity and without it we wouldn’t function as a group. I think donating these presents gives everybody a boost – including the sisters on the ward – and they are all waiting to see the Chronicle now.”
Josie Mitchell, manager of the Umbrella Appeal, said: “The league has been absolutely brilliant.
“I would like to say a big thank you for the support they’ve shown not just to the Umbrella Appeal but for me personally as well, it’s most appreciated.”
By David Seadon