Morganstone and Ospreys make festive hospital visit

A sprinkling of Christmas magic came to Morriston Hospital’s children’s ward on December 15 when staff from Morganstone and the Ospreys helped distribute gifts to the children.

They were joined for the visit by the big man himself Santa Clause and Morganstone staff including projects manager Chris Weaver and community engagement manager Antonia John, as they helped him hand out gifts including free Ospreys tickets and selection boxes and toys provided by the staff of Morganstone.

Although both Morganstone and the Ospreys have a long history of giving up their time to visit the wards at Christmas, this was the first time that they have combined their visit, helping to make it even more festive than ever.

Santa Claus and Ospreys Skipper, Alun Wyn Jones, led the players on a tour of the ward where they met with young patients and their families. Santa and the players including Justin Tipuric, Eli Walker, Dan Baker, Tyler Ardron and James King spent time with the children, putting smiles not just on their faces but on the faces of the nursing staff as well, who always seem to enjoy the visits as much as the patients. Sandra Mack, sister of Morriston Hospital’s children’s ward, believes that the gifts Morganstone have donated over the last few years and the visits from the Ospreys have made a big difference to the children. “Once again, Morganstone has donated so many wonderful gifts to the children on our wards. We didn’t tell them Santa and the Ospreys were coming in as we wanted it to be a surprise for them. They all had big smiles on their faces after a memorable visit.”

Ian Morgan Managing Director at Morganstone said

“Morganstone are delighted to return again to the children’s ward with Santa and we were particularly excited about undertaking the visit this year in association with the Ospreys.

Our staff are thrilled to be involved in this yearly event and they have been very generous in donating funds for us to buy gifts for the children.

“We know being in hospital especially at Christmas can be a difficult time for children and we were delighted to bring some festive cheer to the children ward”

Alun Wyn Jones added:

“These visits are always something special. It’s not much to ask of the boys, to give up a couple of hours to come here and help make these children a little happier while stuck in hospital, but it can make a huge difference. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and, I think, pleased to see us, and hopefully the children will all be up and about again very soon.”