Surprise Pudsey Bear visit brings smiles to Southampton Children's Hospital
Young patients at Southampton Children’s Hospital enjoyed a surprise visit from Children in Need’s Pudsey Bear last week.
The famous character toured all seven children’s wards, including Piam Brown, the paediatric medical unit and children’s orthopaedics.
During the visit, which was organised by Templeton Place Care Home in Nursling, Pudsey greeted everyone with hugs, high-fives and tasty treats – much to the delight of patients, families and staff alike.
Lucia Lazzeri-Ford, child health matron at Southampton Children’s Hospital, said: “We were delighted to welcome Pudsey Bear to our children’s hospital last week – his visit brought so much joy to our young patients, their families and our staff.
“We are especially thankful to the team from Templeton Place who kindly arranged this wonderful surprise, helping to create lasting smiles and special memories.
“We’re proud to support Children in Need and wish the very best of luck to everyone taking part in fundraising challenges across the country for this important cause.”
As part of the visit, Pudsey toured the Piam Brown unit – a regional centre for childhood cancer and haematology, caring for patients from birth to 16 years.
Each year, the unit supports around 120 new families, with children referred from across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Surrey, Sussex, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands.
Abigail Turner, Piam Brown sister at Southampton Children’s Hospital, said: “It was so lovely that Pudsey was able to visit the ward today with Templeton Place Care Home and the Hamberley team.
“Moments like this are really special for the children, bringing a little happiness into what can be a really tough time. It was magical seeing how excited some of the children were – hearing them laugh and be amazed that Pudsey was there visiting them!”
The visit came ahead of the BBC’s annual Children in Need appeal, which raises millions each year to support projects improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.
Esther Sheppard, regional sales manager at Templeton Place, said: “We were so happy to bring Pudsey to meet the children and to hand out some special treats – including Pudsey cupcakes made by our chef.
“The children were absolutely fantastic and it was wonderful to see their reactions. One little girl told Pudsey that he is her favourite and was literally jumping for joy.
“One young patient’s mood transformed instantly and she began smiling the moment Pudsey walked in – she was mesmerised by him.”
