Flying visit: Santa uses cherry picker to greet kids at hospital window

Santa Claus has lifted little ones’ spirits during a flying visit to the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.

Old Saint Nick had to find a safe way to spread joy amid the current surge in cases of coronavirus this winter.

He sought help from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SRFS) who raised him up using a cherry picker to greet the children in the wards at the window on Sunday afternoon.

Donated gifts were also delivered to the youngsters as part of the charity appeal.

SFRS watch commander, Matthew Cowe, said: “We are delighted to see the return of this fantastic Christmas event this weekend.

“Aberdeen firefighters based within Red Watch Central Community Fire Station will utilise their skills to bring Santa a little bit closer to the children and families within the RACH.

“With Santa on the scene, Morrisons little helpers will be supporting Santa by providing the most amazing presents during what is a very difficult time for the children.

“We really hope the gifts and the event itself is a treat for them and that it will put a very big smile on their faces and make some great memories.”

Businesses across Aberdeen, including Morrisons,TEXO and Flat4 media, joined together to make Santa’s arrival a special one.

TEXO’s managing director, Chris Smith said: “The Archie Foundation is close to all our hearts in TEXO. It’s especially important to us at this time of year, when families need to be together and celebrate the magic of the holidays.

“So we’re delighted to be supporting Santa’s visit to Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and we hope he delivers all his presents safely!”

CEO of The Archie Foundation, Paula Cormack, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and our sponsors for bringing this incredibly special event back again this year.

“It is so important to us to raise the spirits of sick children and their families who are in RACH over the Christmas period. We can only imagine how hard it is for families to be separated not only when a child is unwell but also to not be together over the festivities.

“Everyone at Archie goes above and beyond to ensure this time brings joy and laughter to our service users. We are incredibly grateful to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Morrisons PLC, Flat4 media and TEXO for bringing this incredibly special event back again this year.”