Cairngorm reindeer bring Christmas cheer
Six of Santa’s helpers from the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd joined ex-Rangers star Mark Hateley at Yorkhill Hospital in Glasgow in a bid to make this Christmas the best possible for young patients there.
The event, sponsored by the Rangers Charity Foundation, is just one of the many planned activities for young patients who are spending the festive season at hospital receiving treatments and undergoing difficult operations.
The reindeer held a special parade around the hospital grounds stopping off to give bed bound patients and children in isolation the chance to join in the fun.
Santa and youngsters Jay Nolan, six, and Maia Bell, three, were chosen to steer the reindeer team while many other children and families followed close by.
The reindeer remained at the hospital for the rest of the day entertaining the crowds.
Children, families and staff visited from the wards to pose for photographs and pet the gentle animals. The reindeer handlers also provided information and advice on the care and nature of reindeer.
One reindeer calf named Soleil who was hand reared at the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd in Aviemore was even allowed access into the wards at Yorkhill, allowing all children at the hospital to meet a real reindeer.
David Welch, Director of Fundraising at Yorkhill Children’s Foundation, said: “The reindeer visit has been a huge success.
“We are working hard to ensure patients and their families at Yorkhill Hospital enjoy the best Christmas possible, and from the reaction of the children and their parents it is clear these sorts of activities really do help to boost their morale.
“We’re very grateful to the Rangers Charity Foundation for sponsoring this event which has put smiles on so many children’s faces.
“As much as we appreciate people bringing gifts, it is far more important to receive donations so we can ensure the children are given presents which are suitable for them.
We are arranging a whole series of events and experiences the children can enjoy with the public’s support.’’
Former Rangers star Mark Hateley gave his support by chatting to and signing autographs for the Rangers fans.
He said: “Christmas is an important time for families and a lot of these kids can’t get home because they are in hospital.
“It’s nice to start the festive period a little earlier than normal to make it a bit more special and it’s great to have Santa and the reindeer here visiting them.
“I’ve been involved with the Rangers Charity Foundation over a number of years and one thing we always like doing most is working with kids. I used to come up to Yorkhill at Christmas to visit the children when I was playing for the club and it’s fantastic the squad still does that.
“It has always been hugely important for the football club to be involved with the community and hopefully by continuing this we can make children’s lives a little bit easier.”
Yorkhill Children’s Foundation has also organised three Christmas parties to take place on the 17, 18 and 19 December including one at the children’s ward at The Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.
Rangers Football Club and Celtic Football Club will also visit Yorkhill Hospital in December.
To donate to Yorkhill Children’s Foundation’s Christmas Appeal please visit www.yorkhill.org/christmas or text “CHRISTMAS” TO 70707.
