Patients at PAHT were treated to a special Easter delivery from train company, Greater Anglia.
Thanks to an initiative organised by generous Greater Anglia employee Michael King (pictured, fourth from right), relief ticket office clerk at Sawbridgeworth and Stansted Mountfitchet stations, the company delivered more than 250 Easter eggs to PAHT on 13 April.
In March, Michael organised an appeal for commuters to donate Easter eggs at Bishop’s Stortford, Harlow Town, Stansted Airport, Stansted Mountfitchet, and Sawbridgeworth train stations. They donated more than 450 Easter eggs and treats, which have also been given to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, as well as over £150 to buy activity kits such as colouring books and pens.
Michael delivered 255 eggs to PAHT, which were enjoyed by children on Dolphin Ward and the children’s emergency department (ED). The eggs were also shared with patients with dementia, and staff enjoyed a hamper of Easter treats.
Michael said: “I first did this in 2020, and we only had 120 eggs donated then. I didn’t think that we would get anywhere as many as we have. I’m blown away by it.
“It was a case of doing something nice for the hospital, especially the hamper, to say thanks for what they’ve done over the past two years.
“I’m proud of what has been achieved over the past six weeks, our staff and customers have helped out massively. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everybody.”
Helen Weaving, ward manager, Dolphin Ward, (pictured, fourth from the left) said: “A huge thank you to everyone involved for thinking of us. It was wonderful to be able to share donations with the children who are on our wards and in our emergency department and put smiles on their faces. It meant a lot to the children and their families. Thank you so much.”
Gary Taylor, head of charity at The Princess Alexandra Hospital Charity, said: “A big thank you to Michael, the staff at Greater Anglia, and everybody who donated for such a great cause.
“Receiving something as simple as an Easter egg while admitted to hospital can help to make our patients feel more positive during what could be a challenging time for both the patient and their families, and we are incredibly grateful for this very generous donation.”
Photo: The Greater Anglia team donating the Easter eggs to the Dolphin Ward team at PAHT.