Being in Hospital can be a stressful and worrying time. For parents with poorly children, being in hospital over special occasions such as birthdays or Christmas etc. can add to that strain and guilt, especially if they haven't had time to organise anything to mark the occasion. Our amazing staff do what they can to bring some cheer to our young patients, and help support parents to make the days special. Our staff couldn't do that without the amazing support from our local community who donate and support our young patients. 

We are hugely grateful for all those local businesses, groups and individuals who supported the Children's Ward this Easter.

On Thursday 18th April we welcomed Geoff Collings from MacKenzie King who ran an Easter Egg appeal with their clients.

Also on 18th Paula Hergest from Hergest & Cavell Funeral Directors in Gravesend also made a delivery to the Willow Ward.

Thank you Chantelle Forrest Martin, and her daughters Rosie and Meadow who visited Walnut Ward on Thursday 18th April, to deliver #Easter eggs, teddies, comforters and nappies, as well as some teddies to the Delivery Suite for parents who have lost their baby.

Chantelle’s daughter Meadow, now 4, was born at just 25 weeks, and was cared for #SCBU. Chantelle also experienced baby loss herself and created a baby loss group on Facebook called Our Little Stars Babyloss donations/giveaways, offering support and befriending.

Throughout the year Chantelle has been collecting donations of #Easter gifts for the babies and families at Darent Valley Hospital (DVH) through the group, and Chloe Packham, Sister on Walnut Ward was delighted to receive them.

Witherns Nursing Home came to Willow Ward with the Easter Bunny. Thank you so much for your kind donation.

Our Evergreen Unit got a lovely surprise from Stephen Glew, who is a regular patient. Stephen has a passion for baking and is often arriving with little treats for the staff but this Easter arrived carrying a fabulous #Easter cake topped with a giant #Easter bunny!

Stephen said "I enjoying baking, and especially enjoy making cakes and gingerbread. When it is Halloween I spend lots of time creating bats, spiders and witches out of gingerbread, our house is very popular with the local children who all visit for their spooky treat. As it was Easter I wanted to make something special for the Everygreen Unit staff as they always look after me so well so I created them an Easter Bunny cake. I do hope they enjoy it!"

Our thanks also to Nico Office Ltd, Dartford Borough Council, Shosilva Foundation and JJ's Clay Pigeon Shooting who also donated lots of lovely Easter Eggs and goodies to our young patients on Willow Ward.