Santa Claus paid a very special visit to St. Anne’s Children’s Ward at the Mercy University Hospital on Tuesday, December 19th; and together with some “little helpers” from the River Lee Hotel, he delivered presents and treats to all the little girls and boys spending time in the ward over the holiday season.
As well as the festive goodies, a special presentation of funds raised for the ward by the River Lee Hotel was presented to the nursing team in St. Anne’s, who have been kitted out in new Christmas uniforms by the Mercy Hospital Foundation this holiday season. These funds were raised by the staff at the four star River Lee Hotel, located close to The Mercy, who came up with and arranged a number of creative fundraising events, including a tasty bake sale, throughout October.
A number of the hotel’s employees, including senior management, also took part in the Cork Airport 5k Runway event in November to raise further funds. General Manager of the River Lee Hotel, Ruairi O Connor, who participated in this, said “Our team in the River Lee Hotel were delighted to support the fantastic team in St. Anne’s Ward at The Mercy, and acknowledge all their amazing work and the support they give to the children in their care, not just at Christmas, but all year round. Everyone knows that Santa is extra busy this week with all the last minute prep, but when we had a special word with him, he kindly agreed to pay a visit to the little boys and girls at The Mercy as he knows how special they are.”
Speaking on behalf of the nursing team in St. Anne’s, Edel O Neill, CNM2, said “We and the children of St. Anne’s were thrilled to have a visit from the big man himself this close to Christmas. Together with the new Christmas uniforms our team received from the Mercy Hospital Foundation, this visit really added to the Christmas atmosphere we try to create for all the children in the ward. We would like to thank the River Lee Hotel for making this visit happen, and sincerely thank them for their generosity and funds raised.”
To support the work done by the team St. Anne’s Ward, visit www.mercyfundraising.ie.