A TROOP of Christmas elves from two borough Tesco stores helped sprinkle some festive joy to the children’s ward at Heartlands Hospital.
Members of staff from the Sheldon and Yardley stores brought smiles to the faces of young patients on the ward by delivering Christmas presents and bringing Father Christmas along as well.
The busy elves have all been fundraising to buy presents in the run up to Christmas with chocolates, mince pies and a £400 donation adding to the cause.
Marcus Bagley, store manager at the Sheldon branch, said: “We decided to join forces and raise money for the children’s ward at Heartlands as it is the hospital close to both stores and is such a great cause.
“We raised over £1,000 in total from a variety of events and purchased four portable DVD players for patients to use.
“We decided to all dress up as elves and come in to see the children and give them a gift.
“As it is my first Christmas as store manager, to do something like this was lovely and we hope that our fundraising efforts has given the children a bit of joy at this difficult time.”
Christine Morrell, health play specialist at Heartlands Hospital, part of Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, praised the Tesco team for their hard work and thanked them for their donations.
She added: “It was quite a sight to see all the Tesco staff dressed as elves but it brought plenty of smiles and laughter for the children and staff.
“It is never nice for children to be in hospital at any time of the year but particularly at Christmas.
“We like to try and make it as pleasant as we can for them and a visit from Father Christmas and his elves certainly helps.”
