LAUGHTER filled the air when a cast from Starlight UK arrived to perform panto classic Aladdin to a group of seriously ill children supported by Worcestershire’s Orchard Service.
Families were also treated to games, face-painting and Christmas crafts.
The Orchard Service – Worcestershire Health and Care NHS trust’s children’s community nursing and palliative care team – helps babies, children and young people living with complex, life-threatening and limiting conditions.
The team works closely with GPs, children’s hospital wards, paediatricians, health visitors and school health nurses to prevent unnecessary admission to hospital and promote early discharge.
Laura Phillimore, community health play specialist for Orchard Service, said the medical conditions often made it difficult for the families to spend time together.
“We hope events such as this give families an opportunity to come together and enjoy activities, in a relaxed environment, adapted to support the needs of the children in attendance.”
Starlight is a national charity which grants wishes for seriously and terminally ill children and provides entertainment in hospitals and hospices across the UK.
The cast tour the UK with their interactive performances, using music and dance to provide children and their families with a fun escape from their treatment.
Through charitable donations, Orchard Service is able to host regular events for children and their families.
