There was great excitement in the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise recently thanks to a very special visitor – Santa Claus.
The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital organised a wonderful evening which saw Santa visiting kids in the Paediatric Ward and handing out lovely gifts.
The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital were delighted to accept a cheque from the People First Credit Union which allowed the committee to purchase the presents for the night and the Christmas period.
Terry Byrne the lead singer and guitarist from the local band The Valves was present on the night to sing festive songs and lift spirits throughout the hospital.
Santa visited many kids and their families who were delighted to see him coming through the door.
Santa then made his way through the different wards within the hospital to visit patients and sing a Christmas carol.
Aine Reams, treasurer, said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks to Carol and the People First Credit Union.
“We are very thankful to have been a beneficiary of the Community Funding Scheme.
“This allowed for a multitude of gifts to be purchased for kids who will be inpatients over the Christmas period. It brought such joy, and it was lovely to see their little faces light up.
“Santa and Terry also made their way through the different wards of the hospital which lifted spirits.
“A special thank you also to Shay Preston who played a very important role on the night, and to Joe Maher, Alastair and Marek from Vimar for capturing all of the special moments.”
If you want to learn more about the Friends, you can check out our website: https://friendsofthehospital.wixsite.com/portlaoise or contact us at friendsofportloaisehospital@yahoo.com.
SEE ALSO – Sadness following the passing of Camross and Laois hurling great Sean Cuddy
