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| Stephen Metcalfe MP with staff and volunteers at Basildon Hospital |
Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, was today joined by Council Leader Tony Ball and Local Olympic Hopefuls from South Essex Gymnastics Club; Reiss, Anthony & Brinn together with their coach, Scott Hann and Club Chairman, Roy Short, to spend the morning giving out Christmas presents to children in Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital.
Having recently met local representatives from the hospital and hearing about the children that would spend time over Christmas in hospital, Stephen Metcalfe launched a Christmas toy appeal which he hoped would bring a little Christmas cheer to the patients.
Stephen Metcalfe said: “I was overwhelmed by the response to the appeal. In a little over two weeks, we have had gifts and money donated by individual well wishers including Conservative Party Members, staff at Basildon JobCentre Plus, Community Service clubs such as the Buffalos and the Rotary Club and businesses across Basildon and Thurrock. I was also delighted when South Essex Gymnastics Club also wanted to get involved. I would like to thank everyone for their generosity and for getting on board with this appeal.”
Mr Metcalfe’s visit comes at a difficult time for the hospital that are having to make a number of immediate changes to improve its paediatric services and ensure safe care for young patients.
Stephen Metcalfe commented: “I hope the visit raised the spirits of both children and staff at this challenging time at the hospital.”
He continued: “No one would want their child to be in hospital at anytime, but over the Christmas period it can be especially difficult. I hope that this small gesture will bring a little Christmas cheer to the patients and their Carers.”
“I would again like to thank all those who have generously donated gifts and it was my privilege to give them out and to spend time with the children and their parents today.”
