A FORMER 13-year-old patient and her mum have helped organise the first ever Christmas party for sick children at Ealing hospital.
Antonia Mathias, of Cleveland Road, West Ealing and her mum, Cecily wanted to 'give something' back for the care they received at the hospital in Uxbridge Road, Southall. The schoolgirl was struck with an extremely rare illness, lymphangiomatosis, a tumour-type mass behind her heart, during a ski-ing holiday in Colorado last year, but has since made a remarkable recovery thanks to Ealing Hospital.
With ward sisters Varsha Shah and Carol Dinsley they organised an amazing party, complete with juggler, magician, arts and crafts and of course Santa for Wards 10 north and south on Tuesday. (21)
Antonia said: "I used to be a patient here and the staff were so fantastic we wanted to do this for the hospital. It was a lot of work but it paid off. There's not a single child without a smile on their face."
Cecily, who now volunteers on the children's ward, said: "It was a lot of work but everyone, particularly M&S in Ealing which sponsored the decorations and food, were so generous. It was fantastic."
Kay Larkin, child health services manager, said: "We have had Santa before but not an official party. It was wonderful. The children were thrilled and it's made a huge difference for sick children at this time of year. It has been a very happy occasion, supported by senior management."
