RONALD McDonald House Arrowe Park received a special visit last week.
The Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Jerry Williams, and his wife, Mayoress Irene Williams, dropped in to the House which serves Wirral Women’s and Children’s Hospital to help decorate the House Christmas tree in time for the festive season.
The ‘Decorate for December’ event, on Friday, December 1, was one of 14 taking place in Ronald McDonald Houses around the UK.
The special annual occasion is an opportunity for all Houses, which provide free accommodation and support to families with a sick child in hospital, to ‘deck the halls’ for the holidays.
Katy Knight, House Manager at Ronald McDonald House Arrowe Park, said: "The idea is to create excitement among families, staff, and supporters, and we were delighted to be joined by The Mayor and Mayoress and to have the opportunity to show them just how special our Charity is.
"It’s a great way to showcase the work we do but above all, it allows our families to take part in one of the traditions they might be doing if they were at home, which helps to bring some much-needed cheer.
"Our House becomes extra special at this time of year, when children are at the heart of the celebrations and being with family is more important than ever."
Ronald McDonald House Charities UK is an independent Charity, which operates 14 Houses across England, Wales, and Scotland, providing free ‘home away from home’ accommodation.
The Houses keep families together, close to their children in hospital.
They provide a place to sleep, cook and retain some sense of normal life; a lifeline for families at a very stressful time, especially when they are far from home.
A Ronald McDonald House saves each family an average of £1,240 in out-of-pocket accommodation expenses.
The Mayor, Councillor Jerry Williams, said: "It was our absolute pleasure to visit Ronald McDonald House Arrowe Park, to have a tour of the facility and see first-hand just how vital their work is.
"The staff we met are so dedicated to the cause and have created a warm and welcoming environment for families facing the worst of times.
"Placing a charity bauble on the tree was really special. I’m sure the lovely decorations will help to lift the spirits of many families staying here over the festive period."
The Ronald McDonald House at Arrowe Park Hospital is situated inside the hospital itself, occupying the first floor and providing respite for families, just seconds from their sick child’s bed.
The facility is equipped with seven ensuite rooms in which families can relax, away from the busy ward.
They also have a kitchen, where families can cook and be together, just as they would at home, as well as laundry facilities. The House allows families to wake from a night’s stay well rested, well fed and feeling ready for whatever the day may bring.
Katy added: "We had a fantastic afternoon decorating our Christmas tree.
"We’re hugely grateful to the Mayor and Mayoress for taking time out of their busy schedules to help us bring some Christmas sparkle to the House.
"It means a lot to the whole team here, and to the families we look after."
To find out more about Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, visit: www.rmhc.org.uk.
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