Take Part in The National ‘Elf Service Day

u0022I spent two weeks in hospital that December in the lead-up to Christmas. Christmas eve arrived, and I was expecting it to be like any other day on the ward, but the doctors and nurses made it special and brought the Christmas experience to us. The staff dressed up, sang Christmas carols, and we all had mince pies. It really lifted my spirits when I was missing my tiny baby boy and family at home.rnrnu0022I still remember waking up on Christmas day and being surprised to find a small present left at my bedside by the staff, some lovely toiletries. It was a small thing, but it had a big impact. A small act of kindness can help someone feel remembered.u0022

Every year, volunteers from our FACE cancer fund take children who have been impacted by cancer to Lapland, giving them a magical day where they meet the ‘real’ Santa.rn“The gift of our trip to Lapland with John and the volunteers at FACE was once in a lifetime, especially after my two little boys lost their dad after a very long illness just a few months ago. The concept of bringing bereaved children to go meet Santa and spend a magical day in the Arctic was just beautiful, and very moving.u0022

u0022I don’t remember much about the admission because I was too unwell, but I still remember waking up on Christmas day and being surprised to find a small present left at my bedside by the staff.rnrnu0022I expected Christmas Day to be like any other day on the ward, but the staff made it a break from the normal routine. There was a special Christmas breakfast and a festive buffet in the evening. I remember enjoying the chocolate cake, and it was the first time I’d been able to enjoy food like that for weeks. The staff dressed up and made a real effort to make it festive for us, and we all felt like family for the day.u0022