The magic of Christmas is often found in the smallest acts of kindness. This year, the spirit of giving extended beyond the festive activities at the Christmas Fayre held on 1st December 2024  at The Cloisters, Letchworth, where Santa’s Grotto had already brought smiles to many children. Following the event, toys that had been part of Santa’s workshop found a new home — one that would continue spreading joy and comfort.

The generous donation of these toys to the children’s ward at Lister Hospital in Stevenage is a heartwarming reminder of the power of community spirit. The toys, which had initially been given to children visiting Santa’s Grotto at The Cloisters, were handed over to the hospital to bring smiles to young patients who are spending their holidays in the care of the hospital.

The Cloisters Christmas Fayre is a beloved event that draws families from across the community to celebrate the holiday season. One of the main attractions is Santa’s Grotto, where children can meet Santa, share their Christmas wishes, and receive a small gift. This year, as the Grotto wound down, there were still a number of toys left, perfect for brightening the day of children who need it most.

On Thursday 19th December 2024, representing The Lawrence Cloisters Trust were Emily Piper, one of the organisers of the Fayre and specifically the Santa Grotto experience, Kavaljit Dev and Pramjit Sing Dev both Trustees of the Lawrence Cloisters Trust and long time supporters of the Lister Hospital Magic of Play Playroom via the Lions Club International.

“The donations you kindly gifted today will mainly be given to patients staying on bluebell ward and unable to go home on Christmas Day. Our Health Play Specialist team also distribute gifts to QEII Hospital and Hertford County Hospital for staff to give to children in the urgent treatment centre as well as our community nursing team based there who give to young patients in their own homes. The gifts are also given to children in the emergency department as well as any other children visiting relatives or loved ones in hospital. The play team spread a smile to everywhere they go and will ensure that patients and families get the possible Christmas day if needing treatment.

We simply couldn’t do this without the phenomenal kindness and generosity from individuals, families, businesses, clubs, schools and retailers so we would like to thank everyone who arranged a collection and donated a gift for a patient in need.

We feel so privileged and proud to work in partnership with Cloisters and the Lions Club. Thank you for everything you continue to do to help make our hospitals the best they can be for our community.”

Bethany McNeil, Head of Public Fundraising

East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity