Published 15 December 2022
Bells were jingling on a children’s ward this festive season – but it was belly dancers, rather than Santa Claus, bringing presents.
Louisa Chibnall, Lesley Harris, and dancers from Sparkles Belly Dance Classes, handed over a haul of toys for children on Rainbow Ward at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, and for babies on the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) there.
Mum-of-two Louisa chose East Kent Hospitals Charity to benefit from a belly dancing show featuring her students back in October, which raised more than £1,700.
She said: “My son Rueben was born eight weeks early and spent a month on SCBU. He’s now one and doing really well but we have been to Rainbow Ward several times as he is quite susceptible to chest infections.
“Our experience of the teams there has been absolutely fantastic and I wanted to give something back to help say thank you to the staff and help them care for other children.
“We bought everything on the ward’s wishlists, and also bought extra pens and colouring books as well as items for the sensory room, and some massage chairs and foot massage machines for the staff.
“It was the first show we’ve been able to have for three years and everyone worked so hard preparing for it and it was really spectacular. I’m really grateful to everyone who helped us to raise such an amazing amount for the hospital, including our photographer Steven Collis who donated his fee.”
Dee Neligan, senior charity officer for East Kent Hospitals Charity, said the team was overwhelmed with the donation.
She said: “Christmas really did come early for the staff and children on Rainbow Ward and SCBU when the Sparkles Belly Dancers dropped off their incredible haul of presents.
“The staff were absolutely delighted with the massage chairs and foot massage machines and to know the dancers had thought of them as well as their young patients.
“No one likes being in hospital but it is often especially difficult for our youngest patients and these wonderful toys and gifts will help distract them and make them smile.”
You can find out more about the charity’s gift lists for patients and staff at https://www.ekhcharity.org.uk/get-involved/donate/festive-giving/
Sparkles Belly Dance Classes take place in Whitstable and Birchington – find them on Facebook or call Louisa on 07522 964937.
