Bradford garden centre funds children's ward makeover
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The dreams of Play Leaders at Leeds Children's Hospital were realisedthis week when the magic of Christmas was revealed on their wards.
When Joanne Phillips and Katy Inman asked the team at Tong Garden Centre if they could help to make Christmas memorable for the children who spend time in hospital over the festive period, they were only too happy to oblige.
The makeover on wards L41 and 42 comprised several themed trees, tinsel, stars, angels and hundreds of lights that were switched on by Santa, with the help of Dixie and Emma from Heart breakfast, to mark the first day of advent.
Joanne Phillips, Play Leader on the general surgical ward L42, was unaware of the exact details of Tong's plans and was amazed with the ward's transformation: "This is better than we could have imagined - it's truly magical."
The team at Tong also surprised Joanne and Katy with 24 presents for the ward, one for each day of advent.
Katy Inman was moved by the extra gifts: "What a fantastic surprise! Thank you so much for all the work that you have put in to make Christmas extra special, not just for the patients, but the staff too."
Tong's co-owner, Tom Megginson was delighted that the makeover was so well received: "We're thrilled to be able to give something back to the community and pleased that we were able to realise Joanne and Katy's ambition. The look of delight on the children's faces was fantastic and will stay with us all for quite some time."
Tong Garden Centre is one of Yorkshire's biggest garden centres with 110,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 1,000 cars.
Pictured (from left to right): Tom Megginson, Dixie and Emma from Heart, Santa, Joanne Phillips and Katy Inman with two of the children currently on the ward.
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