A house offering accommodation for the families of sick children in Southampton hospital has celebrated its tenth anniversary.
Staff at the free ‘home away from home’ for families with sick children invited charity supporters and VIPs last month to help adorn the premises for Christmas as part of the celebrations.
The house team marked the occasion with a combined Christmas and birthday party, attended by the Lord Mayor of the city, former Saints FC players and even Santa Claus.
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Ronald McDonald House Southampton, one of 14 houses managed by Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, has 53 ensuite bedrooms, providing free accommodation and support for families with hospitalised children.
In 2023, the charity accommodated 8,415 families, who stayed for an average of 16 nights.
The house manager, Robin Snape, said: "Ten years of providing a warm, comfortable, and safe place to stay for families of children being treated at Southampton Children’s Hospital and Princess Anne Hospital is really worth celebrating, and we decided to do it in style."
Among the families attending the celebration was Ruth and her children, Gabi and Ezra.
Ruth gave birth to Ezra at just 26 weeks, and her husband, Andy, was deployed overseas with the Royal Navy.
With 11-month-old Gabi and a critically ill newborn, Ruth found comfort at Ronald McDonald House during Ezra’s extended hospital stay.
Ruth said: "When we left the house, there were mixed emotions.
"We were excited to be going home, but Gabi was sad to leave her Ronald McDonald family behind.
"Having a safe place so close to him made all the difference."
The day ended with the Lord Mayor placing a special bauble on the Christmas tree.
Southampton FC presented a framed shirt with a dedication to the house.
The celebration was further enhanced by McDonald’s crew from local stores, who provided face-painting, festive activities, games and Happy Meals for the young guests.
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