Santa Cruise: Young patients set sail with Santa along the Thames

Santa Claus came to London Town and surprised patients, families and NHS staff from Evelina London Children’s Hospital with a festive boat ride thanks to the Port of London Authority and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.

10 patients and their families sailed down the River Thames, from the London Eye to Tower Bridge, taking in the capital’s sights at its most magical time of the year.

Children eagerly watched from on board a Thames Clipper as Santa arrived in style, travelling on a Port of London Authority harbour launch boat adorned with tinsel and wreaths. Ahead of greeting the young patients, he passed through the city on his sea sleigh, carrying a sack of presents donated by DP World and Tideway, waving and spreading Christmas joy to Londoners.

On board, each patient and their family received a gift from Santa, whilst the Evelina London Play team and Uber Boat by Thames Clipper crew joined forces to sing merry songs and play games.

It was 11-year-old Dexter’s first time on a boat. Dexter has been a patient at Evelina London since he was 3 days old. During the past decade he has had over 20 operations, including a kidney transplant, and attends the hospital regularly for transplant reviews. 

The LEGO-enthusiast from Chatham, Kent met Santa, and received the best possible gift: a new LEGO set. Dexter said:

It was the best present I could have been given. I’ve never seen Santa on a boat before. It was really fun!

Comparing when Dexter was on dialysis, to how he is following his transplant, his mum Donna said:

It is like night and day. We didn’t realise just how sick Dexter was while on dialysis until he got his new kidney and is now able to enjoy days out like this. He has more energy than anyone I know. It’s so nice to see his character come out and see him become more outgoing.

The grotto on the Thames was made possible thanks to the Port of London Authority. In addition to giving patients at the specialist children’s hospital a once in a life time experience, they are donating £10,000 to Evelina London Children’s Charity. This donation will help the hospital go the extra mile to young patients to feel safer and happier, recover faster, and make Evelina London feel more like home.

The event was additionally organised by Evelina London’s play specialists, supported by Evelina London Children’s Charity. Play specialists are members of the healthcare team specially trained in providing therapy and normalising play for sick children and young people. They provide patients with the means to understand their conditions through tailored play sessions and care planning, helping to reduce anxiety and aid their recovery.

Sue Pruden, play service manager of the therapeutic play service, said:

In hospital, families don’t often have the opportunity to spend time together. Experiences like this, that the whole family can enjoy and create memories together, are especially invaluable at Christmas time.

 

We are so grateful to the Port of London Authority, Thames Clippers and Evelina London Children’s Charity for making this magical day happen. We care for children from across the south east and UK and, for some of them, this is their first time seeing the sights of the city.

Robin Mortimer, chief executive of the Port of London Authority, said:

We are thrilled to team up with Santa to bring the children of Evelina London out onto the River Thames, and to support Evelina London Children’s Charity this Christmas. As the UK’s biggest port, bringing in essential products and presents from across the world, the Port of London helps deliver Christmas for people in London and across the country each year.

Barbara Kasumu, executive director of Evelina London Children’s Charity, said:

We want to thank the Port of London Authority for their generous donation. This Christmas, we are asking Londoners to spread some festive cheer and help transform the lives of young patients and their families. Please consider supporting our life-changing work by donating or signing up to a fundraising challenge for the New Year.

To support or donate to Evelina London Children’s Charity this Christmas visit their website.