Joy At Christmas

Leigh On Sea News: Joy At Christmas – CHRISTMAS was made brighter for hospital patients, thanks to the generosity of a ward manager who has made it her tradition to buy a small gift for each person on the ward.

 For the past 10 years, Jade Holgate, from Westcliff, has been buying presents for patients under her care and staff who she works with on Same Day Emergency Care and the Acute Medical Receiving Unit at Southend Hospital.

 Working at the hospital for nearly 20 years, Ms Holgate said she started playing, Southend Hospital Santa, for patients and staff when she noticed how many patients spent Christmas without family or visitors.

 She added: “I’ve seen how isolating it can be to spend this time of year in a hospital. A small gift might not seem like much, but it shows our patients they’re cared for and not forgotten.”

 For patients, the gifts are items such as socks, puzzle books or toiletries, all funded from her own pocket. Despite being on a busy ward, Ms Holgate spent her evenings in December preparing the parcels, which were tailored to patients’ ages and needs.

 Her children also helped bring some festive cheer to the wards, they, along with their school friends drew Christmas-themed pictures or notes, which were then laminated and put up for all to see.

 Ms Holgate work colleagues weren’t forgotten. Each member of staff was given a personalised gift, which was her way of thanking staff for their hard work over the year.

 Ms Holgate’s reward, though, was in the smiles and gratitude she received. She said: “It’s not about the gifts themselves, it’s about letting people know they’re not alone.

 “For me, that’s the real spirit of Christmas.”

 

 Picture: Jade Holgate, Ward Manager

 

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