Paramedics delight sick children with Christmas presents at Croydon University Hospital

Christmas arrived early on a children’s ward at Croydon University Hospital (Monday 23 December) when a team of paramedics gave them presents generously donated by members of the public.

Paramedic and Chief Elf Nigel Flanagan arrived at the hospital in an ambulance stocked with presents to spread some festive cheer for children staying in hospital over the Christmas period.

Nigel and his team from London Ambulance Service were greeted by smiling children, parents and nurses as they handed out gifts on the Rainbow Unit.

Maddison, aged 4, was delighted to receive a medical play set. Mum Rebecca said: “She was over the moon and really surprised. This has been perfect for her.

“She’s been in hospital to have her tonsils removed and has been very nervous. This really has helped to preoccupy her mind.”

Sophie, who works as paediatric staff nurse on the Rainbow Unit at Croydon University Hospital, said: “It’s been amazing. Seeing them when they’re in the worst moments of their lives getting a present and seeing their face light up makes the job so worth it.

“Part of our job caring for children is making their stay at hospital as nice and special as possible – whether that’s presents, Santa coming round and singing songs. Whatever people can do to help makes a difference to these children.”

All the gifts were donated to ambulance stations across London and delivered by paramedics to children at hospitals, hospices and refuges throughout the capital in the lead up to Christmas Day.

London Ambulance Service Paramedic and Chief Elf Nigel Flanagan, from Lingfied in Surrey, said: “Sixteen years ago, I treated a young boy on Christmas Eve who was heartbroken that he couldn’t spend Christmas Day with his family.

“As a father-of-three, this really affected me. I decided to set up Operation Christmas Present to help tackle loneliness amongst children who are in hospital during the festive season.

“Every child deserves to experience the magic of Christmas despite being away from their family on Christmas Day.

“We just want to see children and families smile at this time of year and that’s why we do this. It touches a quite few strings in my heart.”

Nigel and his team of elves across London Ambulance Service have made sure that presents are delivered to hospitals, hospices and refuges so that children can still experience the joy of receiving a gift at Christmas.

Operation Christmas Present started at King’s College Hospital in Camberwell and now covers over 40 hospitals across London.

Nigel and his team have delivered over 30,000 presents so far and made 600 visits to hospitals, children’s A&E departments, and women and children’s refuges.

Donated presents needed to be wrapped, with a label on the outside detailing what was inside and what age and gender the gift is suitable for. This is to ensure that ambulance crews can match the right present with the right child.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when Nigel and his colleagues couldn’t bring presents to people in hospitals, they collected food supplies and delivered them to over 80 foodbanks across the capital, helping people whose livelihoods had been hit hard by the lockdowns.