Christmas visits to children's wards over holidays

Spiderman visited the children's cancer ward before stopping by the Paediatric Emergency Department

Hospital staff hoped to bring some festive cheer to young patients who are spending the Christmas period on a ward.

Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge planned a host of activities for children including a snap visit from a superhero, one of Santa's little helpers and a magician.

The first visit came from Spiderman on Wednesday, who attended the children's cancer ward before stopping by the Paediatric Emergency Department.

Play specialist, Sophie Barber, said: "It makes a huge difference to the young patients we support, especially when they are feeling unwell and a bit low about spending the festive period on a hospital ward."

The government signed off on a new children's hospital for the East of England to be built on the same site as Addenbrooke's and Royal Papworth hospitals

Magician, Wayne Goodman, will visit on Monday followed by Cambridge Regional College head of culinary arts, Graham Taylor, and his colleague Julian Peck, on Wednesday.

Mr Taylor's students have made more than 100 gingerbread figures for the children to decorate.

On Thursday, representatives from The Jockey Club Newmarket will visit the Paediatric Emergency Department to deliver a bumper supply of presents.

The gifts were among thousands donated this Christmas, some of which will be saved for children's birthdays or as bravery gifts.

On Monday 23 December, Katie the Elf will drop in on young patients to spread kindness, fun and tales.

Ms Barber said: "Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for our team and we are hugely grateful for all the support we get from the community.

"Their generosity never ceases to amaze us."