Santa brings smiles to Morriston children’s ward

A sprinkling of Christmas magic came to Morriston Hospital’s children’s ward on Friday when representatives of Llanelli construction company Morganstone visited with Father Christmas to distribute gifts to the children on the ward.

After that it was on to Neath Food Bank to deliver bags full of food, plus more presents for children, which the food bank will pass on to children’s charity Barnardo’s.

More than £400-worth of food and gifts were bought by Morganstone project manager Chris Weaver using money donated at a recent company party.

Donations also came from employees of Morganstone’s partners Pennant Homes and NPT Homes, with whom it is working on the Allt-Y-Cham Drive development in Pontardawe.

Further donations were made by local residents following an appeal in a monthly newsletter distributed to residents at the Pontardawe development.

Chris, who masterminded the purchase and distribution of the gifts, said he was delighted with the response to appeals for donations.

“It’s been a brilliant response – we’ve been overwhelmed. The great response meant we were able to take half the toys to the Children’s ward at Morriston,” he said. “I would like to thank Ian and Tonia Morgan of Morganstone for their donations and for giving us the time out to do this.”

The toys were wrapped by members of the sales team at the Pontardawe development.

“It’s been a pleasure to participate in wrapping them knowing that it’s going to a good cause and that hopefully the children have pleasure receiving them. It’s great to be involved with Morganstone,” said Lorraine Griffiths, sales advisor for Pennant Homes.

The gifts were certainly well received by children on the ward. Beaming six year-old Cai Griffiths, said: “It’s absolutely fab.” His mum Vickie Lucas added: “We don’t know yet if Cai will be in over Christmas so Santa coming in has really brightened up his day.”

Linda Wright, sister of Morriston Children’s Ward, agreed that the visit had had a hugely positive impact on children in the ward.

“We are so grateful for all the wonderful gifts that Morganstone has donated to the children on our wards,” she said. “It is always lovely to see the smiles on the children’s faces when Santa visits.

“It’s a very special time of the year and visits like this make a difficult stay in hospital so much better and enjoyable. It is never easy being in hospital with your child so this will brighten the day for the families too.”

The food donations were well received by Neath Food Bank, which is gearing up to a busy festive season.

“A couple of months into out fourth year we have helped nearly 8000 people, 2300 of whom are children,” said co-ordinator Roy Callard. “Last month we helped 171 people and we expect it to be more this month.

“We are in awe of the amount of food and donations that are given to support Neath Food Bank.”