Gulliver’s theme park helps to bring festive cheer to children who spent Christmas in hospital

Children who spent Christmas in hopsital enjoyed a dose of festive cheer thanks to the generosity of visitors to Gulliver’s theme park.

For the past two years, the family-run company – which has a park at Matlock Bath – has supported the POD Children’s Charity, which provides entertainment shows in hospital children’s wards across the UK.

This Christmas POD has funded more shows in more hospitals than ever before, bringing smiles to the faces of hundreds of children unable to spend Christmas at home. The shows include clowns, magicians, musicians, puppeteers and storytellers.

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Gulliver’s raises money for POD with fundraisers throughout the year as well as ongoing donations from generous visitors.

Julie Dalton, managing director of Gulliver’s, said: “We cater for families with children aged two to 13 and many of them know what it’s like to have a child in hospital.

“So supporting POD is close to our hearts, all year round and especially at Christmas, and that’s why we’re so grateful for donations from our guests,” added Julie, a mum herself.

Margaret Munford, who has run POD since 1990, recently wrote to Gulliver’s expressing thanks for the latest cheque for more than £4,000.

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In her letter Margaretstressed the huge difference Gulliver’s support had made over the past two years, especially at hospitals close to its theme parks, where she directs much of the money raised.

In particular, Manchester Children’s Hospital has become the first to have regular weekly sessions.

Other extra sessions have been funded at hospitals in Chesterfield, Warrington, Bury, North Manchester, Wythenshawe, Merseyside, Doncaster, Rotherham, Milton-Keynes, Stoke Mandeville, Luton and others.

Dean Kimberley, Gulliver’s director of guest services, said: “POD is a fantastic charity doing great work and we look forward to supporting them in 2016,” said “Above all we want to thank our guests.”

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