Newcastle Hospitals staff and patients at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital welcomed the festive season this week with a sparkling illuminations event, organised and funded by Newcastle Hospitals Charity and supporters.
It was a real treat for attendees to have NUFC star Shola Ameobi to switch on the lights, as well as Lady Elsie Robson and her sons, Mark and Andrew – the family of the late Sir Bobby Robson.
The group came to show their support for the event, and to represent The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, a fund within Newcastle Hospitals Charity.
The Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, which is leading the way in cancer research locally, is based at the Freeman Hospital.
Taking place on Wednesday 1st December, staff and patients were treated to mince pies and hot drinks, before enjoying some classic festive songs from Northern Proud Voices – the North East’s largest and longest-running choir for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people and friends-of.
The event began in earnest with a welcome speech from Professor Sir John Burn, Chairman of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Trust. He began with a fascinating story of the history of Christmas lights, before leading Lady Elsie, Mark, Andrew and Shola in the countdown to the big switch on.
Newcastle Hospitals Charity are working hard to make this special time of year even brighter for Newcastle Hospitals staff and patients, and seeing the hospitals lit with a warm glow is just one of the ways they’re making a difference this festive season. Find out more.
The Illuminations were organised and funded by Newcastle Hospitals Charity, with help from supporters Geoffrey Robinson Ltd, Medical Architecture, Robertson CE Limited, CAD 21 and Tolent.
