Evelina Children’s Hospital gets a Shrek of a surprise

Kelsey Parker joined some of the characters from Shrek’s Adventure! to cheer up children in hospital…

Podcaster and mum of two Kelsey Parker joined some of the much-loved characters from Shrek’s Adventure! London to spread some festive cheer and Christmas gifts among staff and patients at the Evelina Children’s Hospital earlier this week.

Sue Pruden, Play Service Manager at Evelina London:

“Our play service helps ensure that children have the best possible experience at hospital during the Christmas period. We are grateful to Shrek Adventure! for their generous gifts and helping spread some festive fairy-tale cheer amongst our staff and patients.”

Youngsters and their parents had a festive surprise as Princess Fiona, Puss in Boots, Sleeping Beauty and Muffin Man were joined by Father Christmas to bring a little bit of Far Far Away to Evelina London Children’s Hospital, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London. Evelina London is the second largest provider of children’s services in London and cares for more than 104,000 children and young people each year at their hospital and community sites.

Podcaster and mum of two Kelsey Parker joined some of the much-loved characters from Shrek’s Adventure! London to spread some festive cheer and Christmas gifts among staff and patients at the Evelina Children’s Hospital.

Kelsey and the characters spent time with the children and their parents before distributing gifts which had all been lovingly wrapped by the big green ogre himself, back in his swamp located on the South Bank… The characters and Kelsey also participated in artistic activities with the children and young people.

The visit was supported by members of the Evelina London play team, who are specially trained in providing play for sick children and young people. This wonderful team provide Evelina London’s patients with the means to develop through fun and familiar activities, helping to reduce anxiety and aid their recovery.

Catherine Pritchard, General Manager of Shrek’s Adventure! London:

“Being away from home at this time of year can be incredibly hard for children and their parents, so it was a real privilege for our attraction team to be able to pay a visit and bring the magic of Shrek’s Adventure! London to them. We’re only sorry we left Shrek to wrap the presents, as we all know it’s not his forte!”

Evelina London Children’s Hospital is one of only two purpose-built, dedicated, children’s hospitals in the whole of London. It provides a comprehensive range of hospital services, caring for patients from before birth, through childhood and on into adult life.