Young patients at Evelina London treated to unforgettable day as Rays of Sunshine brings fun and games to children’s wards

Young patients at Evelina London Children’s Hospital were treated to a fun day of activities as Rays of Sunshine took to wards to deliver a to mark International Day of Play.

Children were treated to music and singing, arts and crafts, princess and superhero visits and entertainment in the hospital’s atrium, outpatient area and by their bedside. They were also given goodie bags, which were generously funded and packed by volunteers from ICAP – one of Rays of Sunshine’s corporate supporters.

On top of this, local firefighters and police officers were invited by the hospital’s play team to give children a glimpse of their work. Children were invited into the fire engine and shown different pieces of fire-fighting equipment. They were also introduced to two of the police horses.

After her daughter was treated to a visit from a musical duo and a princess, one mum explained, “We’ve been in here for two months now, and spending so much time in one room can be so isolating for her. But when we were singing and dancing with the entertainers with Rays of Sunshine, it felt like we were just having fun at home.”

The day at Evelina London was part of a nationwide celebration by the charity across six different hospitals, to celebrate International Day of Play and highlight the importance of play in children’s healthcare.

Amy Chambers, Chief of Staff and Director of Fundraising & Communications at Rays of Sunshine, says: “Spending time in hospitals can be scary at any age, but it’s especially hard for children. Our Sunshine in Hospitals programme is designed to reduce anxiety, loneliness and isolation in the hospital environment for seriously ill children and their families.

“We are delighted to work in partnership with Evelina London and hospitals across the UK to spread joy and deliver sunshine to children facing tough times.”

Sue Pruden, therapeutic play service manager at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, said: “We’re so grateful to Rays of Sunshine for spreading joy across the hospital to help us celebrate the International Day of Play.

“Rays of Sunshine made sure that all our patients and families enjoyed the activities whether in our atrium area as a group or a personal session by the bedside. Seeing the memories being created was very special. Activities like these make such a big difference because they provide a much-needed distraction and help make staying in hospital feel a bit more normal.”

Learn more about our Sunshine in Hospitals programme: