Santa’s little helpers: Paramedics gift hundreds of Christmas presents to sick children

Thousands of children receiving care in London hospitals this Christmas have been given presents donated by generous Londoners.

In recent weeks, paramedics at London Ambulance Service made deliveries in their spare time to hospitals, children’s A&E departments, hospices and refuges to spread a little festive cheer.

London Ambulance Service staff and members of the public generously donate between 3,000 and 4,000 presents to 30 ambulance stations across London each year for ‘Operation Christmas Present’. Established in 2009, more than 70,000 presents have now been gifted.

Father-of-four and LAS Paramedic Nigel Flanagan set up Operation Christmas Present to help tackle isolation amongst children and families who are in hospital during the festive season. He and a team of ‘elves’ make the deliveries.

‘Chief Elf’ and paramedic Nigel said:

“The kindness of strangers, particularly at Christmas, is genuinely mind-blowing.

“Good deeds go a long way to bring joy to children during what can be a difficult time for them and their families over Christmas.

“Sixteen years ago, I just wanted to help a boy who was heartbroken that he couldn’t spend Christmas with his family because he was admitted to hospital.

“Since then, I’ve made it my mission to put a smile on children’s faces over Christmas.

“But none of this would have been possible without the help of my colleagues and elves who have worked tireless to keep the festive spirit alive every year.”

The hospitals that the elves brought smiles to this year included Evelina London Children’s Hospital in Lambeth, Croydon University Hospital, Kingston Hospital and Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow.

London Ambulance Medical Emergency Technician Ellie Buckley picked up presents kindly donated by Trinity School in Croydon and delivered them to children on the oncology unit at Croydon University Hospital.

Ellie, who’s in her second year as an Elf for London Ambulance Service, said:

“There were over 150 presents donated from the school alone. It just shows the kindness and generosity of others.

“Delivering these to the children means I get to see the smiles and happiness it brings to their faces. The smile on their face makes everything worth it!”

Baby Daniella, who is 6 weeks old and recovering from bronchitis, received a ‘little library’ as a present.

Mum Chiazor said:

“I was so happy that my baby got a present from the paramedics – wow! It made us feel really good and we’re really excited for Daniella’s first Christmas.

“I hope the gift will inspire Daniella to read lots when she’s older.”

Orla Simpson, Children’s Oncology Nurse Specialist at Croydon University Hospital, said:

“We are so grateful for the generous donations to our unit to help spread the joy to our patients and parents.

“Seeing their faces light up when receiving a gift during such a stressful time is humbling.”