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Children in Royal Preston Hospital this Christmas given free books by UCLan campaign

Posted on - 20th December, 2015 - 7:00pm | Author - | Posted in - Charities, Fulwood, Preston News, UCLan
Nine-month-old Sam liking the colourful pictures in his new Red Sledge book with second year UCLan children's nursing student Kimberley Culshaw

Nine-month-old Sam liking the colourful pictures in his new Red Sledge book with second year UCLan children’s nursing student Kimberley Culshaw

Youngsters stuck in Royal Preston Hospital this Christmas had a smile on their faces thanks to a Preston-based university.

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University of Central Lancashire students and staff have donated a wide variety of books to keep the children entertained.

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New vice-chancellor Professor Mike Thomas was joined by a number of lecturers, students and staff as they hand-delivered the books on the wards.

Three-year-old Evie enjoying Hide-and-Seek Pig, her new lift-the-flap book, with UCLan vice-chancellor Professor Mike Thomas

Three-year-old Evie enjoying Hide-and-Seek Pig, her new lift-the-flap book, with UCLan vice-chancellor Professor Mike Thomas

More than 300 books are due to be donated throughout Christmas and into the New Year.

Professor Thomas said: “There’s never a good time to be in hospital and near to Christmas is particularly tough for children and their parents.

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“To me it’s very important we’re part of the local community and do what we can to help so if we can bring fun and laughter to the children at this time by providing books then I’m delighted as it’s a great thing to do.”

UCLan Vice-Chancellor Professor Mike Thomas discussing Max the Brave with three-year-old Jacob

UCLan Vice-Chancellor Professor Mike Thomas discussing Max the Brave with three-year-old Jacob

Collecting the books has been organised by student volunteers and one of them Jessica Sneddon, 21, said: “I feel very proud to be involved in a live literature project which encourages young people to enjoy reading. From being a small child I loved the excitement a book could bring and I just hope the children we’ve met today can get that same feeling.”

Avid reader Freddie, eight, gives the selection of books his thumbs up with UCLan's Dr Helen Day and student Jessica Sneddon

Avid reader Freddie, eight, gives the selection of books his thumbs up with UCLan’s Dr Helen Day and student Jessica Sneddon

Royal Preston Hospital’s play specialist team leader Wendy Stocki said: “Reading is becoming a forgotten pastime for many children but here on our play programmes we actively encourage and promote the benefits of reading both socially and independently. To receive so many new books for our patients is fantastic and I can’t thank the University enough.”

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