Local firm spreads Olympic cheer to SLHT

28-Aug-2012

Safari Ward, the Children’s ward at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, would like to say thank you to BMW Sidcup (Stephen James Partnership) for kindly donating London 2012 Olympic memorabilia to the ward.

Ibrahim Ali, a local boy from Plumstead was really pleased to receive the gifts. He said “I really enjoyed the London 2012 Olympics, I loved watching it on the TV especially the Usain Bolt races, he is so fast!"

There had been a real Olympic spirit and excitement surrounding Team GB and London 2012 at SLHT, especially as The Royal Artillery Barracks Olympic and Paralympics venue is  across the road from the Queen Elizabeth. The venue held the Olympic shooting during the Games, with Peter Wilson winning Britain’s fourth gold medal of the London Olympics. The barracks will also play host to the Paralympics shooting and Archery competitions.

Carol-Sullivan Wallace, play specialist at the trust, said “The London 2012 Olympics games really generated a real morale boost on the ward, the children were so excited and couldn’t get enough of the Olympics. With the TV in the play room  showing the Olympics games and cheers, it was a welcome distraction about any worries about upcoming treatments for patients.”

Safari ward aimed to make the children to feel part of the games, especially as the hospital is so close to one of the Olympic sites. Carol thanked BMW Sidcup:  “With this donated memorabilia from BMW, the children can take home a bit of the Olympics with them and keep the legacy of the games going for many years to come. You never know this might help inspire and motivate these children so maybe one day they will be a part of Team GB."

The children on Safari Ward also had decorated the  ward with colourful Olympics rings and decorations. SLHT is definitely looking forward to round two with Paralympics games hoping for more gold to add to the Team GB collection.

Picture -  Ibrahim Ali holding London 2012 Olympic memorabilia