Father Christmas swapped his usual team of reindeer for Land Rovers to make a special delivery to The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Enthusiasts from far and wide took part in the fourth Ryston Land Rover Run on Sunday, December 3, which included a present drop-off for elderly patients at the Hospital.
A total of 40 Land Rovers, ranging from the early Series 1s down to Defenders and Discoveries, set-off and finished at Ryston Hall by permission from Sarah Pratt. Their route around West Norfolk took in Wormegay, Blackborough End, Middleton, Leziate, Setch and Downham Market.
The Land Rovers stopped en-route to deliver several sacks of presents to put smiles on the faces of older patients who will be spending Christmas in the Hospital’s West Newton Ward. There were also two bags of goodies for the hard working staff.
Run organiser Phil Shipp was delighted to have enthusiasts, who travelled from as far away as Lowestoft, to be part of the run.
He said: “All the gratitude should go to the people who took part in the Run and we were overwhelmed that so many took time out to take part.
“We wanted to offer some Christmas spirit by remembering those who are not so fortunate as ourselves. We did not want the patients to feel left out at Christmas.”
Medical Director Dr Nick Lyons has thanked all of the Land Rover drivers for supporting the West Newton patients.
She said: “We are astounded to have received so many presents from the Ryston Land Rover Run. All of the drivers and their families have been incredibly generous and we are very grateful for their support.
“To be able to open a present on Christmas morning, will mean a great deal to our vulnerable older patients, some of whom may not be able to spend that special time with their families.
“I would also like to extend an extra special thank you to the Land Rover Run drivers for remembering the hard working staff who will be working over the Festive period. We place a strong focus on staff, patients and community within The QEH.”
—ENDS—
Pictured are: Phil Shipp with Steve and Jake Gutteridge, of Ryston Land Rover Run, are pictured Ward Manager Donna Snowdon.
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