Most people eagerly anticipate the chance of snow, pigs in blankets and classic family movies on Christmas Day, but kind-hearted teachers and students from St Paul’s Academy in Greenwich are not like most people.

Geography teacher, Gordon Davis, Head of Special Educational Needs, Áine Allen, and an enthusiastic bunch of year 11 students are looking forward to delivering presents to sick children staying at Ronald McDonald House Camberwell and celebrating the festive day in a different way.

Ronald McDonald House Camberwell is run by independent charity Ronald McDonald House Charities and is one of 14 Houses which provide free ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families who have children being treated at specialist hospitals across the UK.

This will be the second year that Santa’s little helpers have given up their time to spread Christmas cheer at the House.

Last year Gordon’s brother, Edward, introduced him to the House after working at a McDonald’s franchise in Crayford where he discovered the Charity through customers donating loose change to the cause at collection boxes at the tills. The Davis duo fell in love with the services provided by Ronald McDonald House Camberwell and decided to organise the special Christmas deliveries on a yearly basis.

Santa’s little helpers make special delivery to sick children on Christmas Day

The Davis duo delivering presents to the House last Christmas

As a result, Gordon encouraged his coeducational Roman Catholic secondary school to collect gift donations from families and friends, and already has a wonderful array of toys to distribute on Christmas Day.

Patrick Winston, Headmaster at St Paul’s Academy and keen supporter of the Charity, says: “St Paul’s Academy is very excited to deliver the fantastic range of presents to sick children staying at the House over the holidays. There is nothing more Christmassy than giving to others at this time of year, especially to those who are going through a particularly difficult time. 

“We are strong believers in the brilliant work Ronald McDonald House Charities does and want to help ensure families maintain a degree of normality while their children are seriously ill in hospital.

“The students can’t wait and have already planned what Christmas outfits they are going to wear on the day. The House should expect a special visit from some elves, wise men and tacky Christmas jumper-wearers!”

Gordon will be bringing an extra special gift with him.. a snow machine, so everyone at Ronald McDonald House Camberwell will be enjoying a white Christmas this year!

To find out more about Ronald McDonald House Camberwell, please visit: www.rmhc.org.uk/camberwell

To find out more about St Paul’s Academy Greenwich, please visit http://www.stpaulsacademy.org.uk/

Share this article

About Author

Nisha Kotecha is the Founder of Good News Shared. Having worked and volunteered for charities in the UK for over 10 years, Nisha is on a mission to highlight how amazing charities are.

Comments are closed.