Santa swaps his sleigh for a CRANE to visit sick children in hospital because of Covid restrictions on wards
Covid rules weren't enough to dampen spirits for one intrepid Santa Clause - who was determined to visit sick children in hospital unable to celebrate at home.
Young patients at the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital were delighted to see Father Christmas sweeping fast their windows on Sunday and spreading festive cheer.
The stunt was led by children's charity the Archie Foundation, who teamed up with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for the second year in a row.
Indoor mixing is not allowed because of the pandemic, so all contact had to take place through a pane of glass.
One poignant image showed a delighted young girl and Father Christmas putting their hands together on the window. 
A poignant picture shows Santa giving a high five to a young patient at Royal Aberdeen Children's hospital on Sunday
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service used their crane to help Santa spread Christmas joy to young patients at the hospital
Staff from both groups dressed up in festive outfits to add to the special occasion.
The Archie Foundation said: 'We had an incredibly special visitor at Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital!
'Santa arrived (in a slightly unconventional way) to bring some festive cheer to children spending the Christmas period in hospital!
The visit was organised by charity the Archie Foundation, who are working with the fire service for a second year in a row
Santa was accompanied on his mission by a pair of well-trained furry friends from the fire service
'Due to Covid restrictions Santa was unable to come into RACH but the amazing Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, elves from Morrisons Peterhead, Banchory, Inverurie and Aberdeen Stores and TEXO were there to save the day!
'We really can't put into words how special today was, and we can't thank everyone involved enough.'
The RACH caters for the needs of poorly kids across northern Scotland.
Staff from the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and volunteers from the Archie Foundation all got into the Christmas spirit
The endeavour was designed to spread a little bit of Christmas cheer to children who won't be able to celebrate at home this year
The Archie Foundation works closely with the hospital and several others, such as the Highland Children's Unit, Tayside Children's Hospital, and Dr Gray's Hospital.
The charity said it hopes to make Christmas a bit more special this year for children who can't be at home for it.
Gifts were also donated from a Morrisons supermarket for the children, while funds raised by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will now be used to help improve the atmosphere at the hospital over the festive period
No comments: