A real-life ‘Easter bunny’ continues to bring joy to children at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust thanks to his annual delivery of Easter eggs.
George Greenwood, 11, has donated thousands of chocolate eggs to the Trust’s hospital charity ELHT&Me over six years – after knowing himself what it’s like to be a patient on the Children’s Ward at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital.
His mum, Sammy Greenwood said: “Since being a baby George has been in and out of hospital but when he was five he was admitted near Easter and once home he kept asking who would deliver chocolate eggs to the children on the ward – the next thing he’s carrying a handful of his toys asking if he could sell them to raise money to buy the children eggs.”
Since then, George’s Easter egg delivery has cracked records by growing bigger each year thanks to his determination and kind heartedness, plus the continual support from family and friends, the local community and businesses’ who generously donate eggs or give a contribution.
Sammy added: “Despite his own health battles, George thinks about children who will be on ward during the happy occasion and doesn’t want them to miss out. He knows first-hand what it’s like to be in hospital so he is just trying to do something simple that will make their experience that little bit better.”
Aware that not all patients can eat a chocolate egg, George also brings in crafts and colouring books to make sure every young person is catered for.
“George makes me the proudest mum in the entire world,” said Sammy. “He’s such a special boy who wants to make a difference and make people smile.”
ELHT&Me relies on donations like George’s to help enhance a patient’s experience while being treated in hospital.
Head of Charity, Denise Barrett-Wilson, said: "Annual donations like George's make a tremendous difference to our patients who find themselves in hospital during special times like Easter.
“We love welcoming George each year, and thanks to his kindness, our children and young people enjoy a treat that brings them joy - and a sense of normality - during what can sometimes be a challenging time.”
If you would like to support the hospital charity through a donation or organising a fundraising event, please visit www.elhtandme.co.uk
