County Durham and Darlington firefighters visit Treetops ward

Crews from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) visited children on the Treetops ward at University Hospital of North Durham on Monday, December 15, arriving in a fire engine and spending time with the children.

The crew was invited by hospital staff to help spread festive cheer to those spending the holiday season in hospital.

Firefighters with some of the children on the Treetops ward (Image: CDDFRS)

Gary Tough, station manager at CDDFRS, said: “We were delighted to be invited to help raise the spirits of the children and their families in hospital this Christmas.

“Having a child in hospital for any length of time is really hard but can be particularly difficult at Christmas time when everyone wants to be at home with their families.

“So, it was lovely to know we helped in a small way to put smiles on their faces.”

Firefighters from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service bringing festive cheer to children on the Treetops ward at University Hospital of North Durham (Image: CDDFRS)

During the visit, firefighters chatted with the children about their work and handed out sweets, stickers, and magnets.

Janine Collins, ward manager at Treetops, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome our local firefighters to Treetops.

“Their visit brought an incredible amount of excitement, joy, and festive cheer to our young patients and their families.

Trying a helmet for size (Image: CDDFRS)

“The generosity shown through the gifts, the time spent chatting with the children, and the kindness they brought into the ward is something we will all remember.

“On behalf of our staff, patients, and families, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the firefighters for making this festive season a little brighter for everyone here.”