Young hospital patients enjoy cheering on Posh
POORLY children who have to spend the majority of their lives in hospital were left beaming after a treasured day out.
POORLY children who have to spend the majority of their lives in hospital were left beaming after a treasured day out.The eight to 14-year-olds from across Peterborough – who suffer from a range of long-term illnesses – were able to forget about medicines and leave the Amazon Ward at Peterborough District Hospital to enjoy a day of fun and football.
The youngsters arrived at Peterborough United's London Road ground on Saturday afternoon, where they were greeted by staff from the new Park Inn hotel, in Wentworth Street, who organised the event.
They then got to watch all the action from one of the exclusive hospitality boxes as Posh played Tranmere Rovers.
Peterborough teenager Gareth Morson, who suffers with cystic fibrosis and is currently staying in the Amazon Ward, was one of them.
His mum Dawn, of Council Street, Walton, Peterborough, said: "The Amazon Ward is a bit like a second home to Gareth, so the opportunity to go and see Posh play was a welcome treat.
"Gareth loves football, in particular watching Posh. He developed a chest infection a few days before the game, so he is expected to be back in hospital for the next couple of weeks.
"However, fortunately he was allowed out for the day, as it was only for a few hours.
"Events like this are great for the children who spend the majority of time in hospital. It is so nice for them to be able to get out and about and enjoying the things they like most."
Play specialist at the hospital Zo Wilkinson said: "We are very grateful to the Park Inn hotel for thinking of the Amazon Ward and offering to take some of the children to a Peterborough United home game.
The children were very excited about watching the football match from an executive box and had a brilliant time. Every donation or special gift, such as this, which the Amazon Ward receives makes a tremendous difference to the children and their families."
Sales manager at the Park Inn hotel Jan Gelbert said: "As a responsible business in the community, it is something that we decided we wanted to do.
"We went down to the Amazon Ward and asked the staff to point out some of the most deserving candidates and then organised the day out.
"It was a great day for everyone. We have a hospitality box that they were able to use, but some stood outside for a bit, too. We also put on food and drinks for them.
"This is the first time we have done anything like this in Peterborough, but felt it was important to do something for the deserving people in the city.
"We hope it will be a regular event."
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Weather for Peterborough
Saturday 13 March 2010
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 2 C - 8 C
Wind Speed: 14 Knots
Wind direction: North west
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 2 C - 10 C
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