Held at Grimsby Golf Club, children who face a daily struggle were given a Christmas bash to remember with games, music, dancing and Disney.
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| CHRISTMAS CHEER: Youngsters and staff enjoy the St Andrew's Children's Hospice Christmas party held at Grimsby Golf Club. Pictures: Ray Corke |
They and the dedicated staff and volunteers dressed up as characters from Disney and danced the afternoon away, while parents looked on with enjoyment, before getting a visit from Father Christmas.
Organiser and activities assistant for the Hospice, Sarah MacDonald said the party was symbolic of the charity's motto – "making each day count".
She said: "A party like this is absolutely brilliant for the children and their families. Everyone can join in. It is about making each day count for the children.
"Santa Claus made an appearance and delivered presents to the children, which were donated to us from all over the area. We have had phenomenal support.
"Other children always have a brilliant Christmas party so it is nice for the children at the Hospice to have a wonderful day too. Today they have nothing to worry about, they can just be normal children."
As well as traditional party games – like pass the parcel and the Hokey Cokey – they munched on delicious party food, including jelly and ice cream.
Victoria Wilkinson, 28, of Grimsby, went to the party with her daughter, Charlotte Jackson, 6, who had 95 per cent of her bowel removed when she was a baby.
Charlotte dressed as Sleeping Beauty in a sparkling dress and had even sprayed her hair blonde for the occasion.
Victoria said: "Today has been amazing. The hospice has made every child feel like they are part of a huge family. With what Charlotte has been through, it is nice to come here, chill out and let her see what 'normal' children get to do at Christmas.
"Not only does the hospice look after Charlotte, but it helps me too – physically with her care, and mentally, too."
The hospice helps children and their families from across the region as well as in Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
Alice Graves, 7, has complex needs and went to the party with her mum Sarah, 41, of Scunthorpe, and dressed as a Never Never Land pirate.
Sarah said: "It is important for Alice to get the chance to dress up and have fun. She has loved today. When we got here her face lit up. It is great they can do this as well as run the hospice."
Isobel Meyer, 3, dressed as Sleeping Beauty and with sister, Jodie, 5, and parents Sarah, 42, and Marcus. She has a hypoplastic left heart syndrome, meaning hers only has half the functionality of a normal heart.
Sarah said: "It is nice to come and do normal things and to celebrate Christmas with other families who have children with similar problems. Today there are no worries, just good fun."
Zoe Payne, 5, has 22q deletion syndrome, which means she has a number of health problems, including a heart defect. She dressed as Snow White, joined by mum, Louise, 34, and brother, Reuben, 3.
Louise said: "It is often difficult for children with special needs or medical problems to be invited and involved in parties.
"It is nice to come here and celebrate Christmas with children like Isobel."
Captain of Grimsby Golf Club Bob Daughney was happy to help the hospice.
He said: "It has been great to see the children having a good time."
The brothers and sisters of St Andrew's Hospice children were each given a selection box donated by HSBC and Starlight donated gift vouchers for all the children.
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