The spirit of Christmas shone brightly on Saturday, November 29, as the local community hosted a magical Christmas party for young patients from Starfish Children’s Ward at Watford General Hospital.
The festive celebration, which provided a much-needed escape for children and their families following treatment, was held at The Grove Hotel for the first time. The event was coordinated with the support of West Herts Hospitals Charity, the official charity for West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
A highlight of the afternoon was the attendance of special guests from Watford FC Women. The team’s involvement was championed by midfielder Anna Filbey, who serves as an ambassador for West Herts Hospitals Charity. Anna brought along her teammates, captain Megan Chandler, goalkeeper Kendra Clarke, and mascot Harry the Hornet.
The party was officially opened by Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor, following a welcome by DJ Lee Partridge of Vibe 107.6 FM. Robert Voss CBE CStJ, the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, also attended and spent time meeting with the children and their families.
The afternoon was packed with activities. Guests were treated to a show by Mr Belldini’s Magic and close-up magic from Martin Gladish and Peter Barker. Craft stations, face painting, party food, and drinks kept the children entertained. The disco included a fun kids’ dance competition led by the Watford FC Women’s team. The festivities concluded with a visit to Santa’s Grotto, where every child received a special gift and a goodie bag as they left.
West Herts Hospitals Charity ambassador and Watford FC Women midfielder Anna Filbey said: “Today was special. To see how the community have all come together to create something so amazing for the children, it’s been lovely for us to be a small part of it.”
The community effort, supported by the charity and West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, ensured the day was about creating a sense of normality and joy for young patients.
James Bancroft, whose son 10-year-old Henry is now treated at Watford General after having a stem cell transplant at Great Ormond Street, shared his appreciation: “It’s so important for my son Henry to have a normal fun day, so it’s great to be here.”
Shannon Phipps, play specialist at Starfish Children’s Ward, said: “On behalf of all of the Starfish Ward team, I want to say a thank you to everyone who came together to create the most magical Christmas party for our children and families. Your hard work, kindness and generosity turned a simple idea into something absolutely extraordinary. We are overwhelmed with gratitude and simply cannot thank you all enough.”
Special thanks to the contributors
This event would not have been possible without the generosity and hard work of the following individuals and organisations:
Venue & Hospitality The Grove Hotel, and Ellie Smith
Key Organisers Maud Kealey, Rachel Redondo, Chris Luff, Carina Marecos and João Almeida.
Official Guests Robert Voss CBE CStJ Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Watford FC Women (Anna Filbey, Megan Chandler, Kendra Clarke, and Harry the Hornet), Elected Mayor Peter Taylor.
Entertainment DJ Lee Partridge (Vibe 107.6 FM), DJ Lee Keogh, Chamber of Conscience, Mr Belldini’s Magic, Magicians Martin Gladish and Peter Barker.
Food & Treats Peter Wenzel and Dean Russell, Wenzel’s Bakery, Nando’s, Joe & Sephs, Sophie Hardwick, Doubletree Hilton Elstree, Costco, Rootz Coffee Chorleywood.
Goodies & Gifts Evolve Beauty, Thrive, Card Factory, The Christmas Shop, Carrier Bag Shop, PMS International, EMW Law, All Saints Church Leavesden, Nandos, Isla Smith, Rute Silva.
Crafts & Activities Darren Guy (Watford NatWest), Lizzi Luff (face painting), Mike Dmochowski, Stills In the Sticks (Santa’s Grotto), Parkgate Junior School.
Volunteers and support Amanda Hershman, Anne Tinker and Georgina De-Allie (Step2Skills), João Almeida, Barbara Xavier, Louise Yeung, Mark Betts, Miriam Ribeiro and Catia Leite (Nandos), Carina Marecos, Dave Messenger (Watford FC), Debbie Town, Helen Cripps, Helen Farmer, Joanne Humphrey, Saleema Gulamhussein, Shannon Phipps, Tracey Barnes and Susan Williams (Starfish Ward), Emily Theobald (West Herts Hospitals Charity), Grace Simmons, Syd Nadim (W3RT), Simon Plumb, The Harlequin, Julia Kealey.
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