Tricks and treats for Lions, bears and children at Rotherham Hospital

The Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity’s children’s entertainer helped to spread a little magic amongst lions and bears as well as youngsters during his most recent visit.

For the past year, poorly children cared for by The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust have received tricks as well as treatment thanks to entertainer Magic Tom.

The professional showman will now be able to continue his awe-inspiring tricks for another year thanks to a £600 donation from the Rotherham Lions Club to the charity’s Dr Ted children’s appeal.

Peter Machin, Secretary of the Rotherham Lions, celebrated the new partnership by joining youngsters on the Children’s Ward for a special magic show.

Peter said:

“When we heard the charity’s appeal for local businesses, groups or individuals to help continue to fund the Children’s Ward entertainer we instantly knew we wanted to help.

“We are always looking for new ways to make a difference in the community and we couldn’t think of a better way to do that than funding entertainment for poorly children and their families when they really need it the most.

“During our visit to Rotherham Hospital, we saw first-hand how simple magic tricks can make youngsters, as well as grownups like us, smile. We’d like to thank everyone who has helped us to fundraise – I’m sure they will be proud to see the difference their donations have made.”

Magic Tom was introduced to the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity by national children’s charity Pod, which helps to fund professional entertainers for children’s wards in NHS hospitals. Unfortunately, a sponsor couldn’t be found by Pod to continue to fund the visits in Rotherham for 2019, until the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity stepped in to appeal for a corporate sponsor.

Margaret Munford MBE, Pod administrator, added:

“I’ve always believed that happy children get better quicker. Our magicians, puppeteers, musicians and clowns all bring joy to the lives of children in more than 150 hospitals and hospices across the country, including Rotherham.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Rotherham Lions for supporting the Dr Ted children’s appeal and Pod so we can continue to provide this valuable and joyful service. It’s a great way for generous groups like the Rotherham Lions to boost those bonds within the community.”

Magic Tom’s magical show was also joined by Dr Ted – the charity’s redesigned new mascot on one of his first public appearances.

The 6ft, furry yellow bear, designed by the charity and Rainbow Productions, has been brought to life thanks to donations to the Dr Ted children’s appeal.

Barry Mellor, Chair of the Charitable Funds Committee, added:

“Thanks to fundraisers and donors like the Rotherham Lions the charity is able to fund a host of wonderful things such as magicians and teddy bear mascots which really improve the experience children have of visiting hospital. We’re incredibly grateful to the Lions for their donation and hopefully, their generosity will inspire other groups and businesses to work with us in future.”

For more information about the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity please contact Suzanne Rutter on 01709 426821 or via trft.charity@nhs.uk.