Teenager delivers £1100 worth of presents to Raigmore Hospital children's ward in Inverness
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A teenager who knows how tough it is for families with children in hospital has delivered £1100 worth of Christmas presents to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
Savannah Kelly (13) is sister to Amelia Jo Kelly (9) who has complex needs with global development delay, autism and epilepsy and requires frequent hospital visits.
As a result, Savannah is no stranger to the Highland Children’s Unit at the hospital and understands how tough it can be for families, especially over Christmas.
She was motivated to bring some Christmas joy to the ward, not just for those receiving treatment over Christmas but also for their brothers and sisters who will be spending their Christmas on the ward, supporting their loved ones.
"I just wanted to make everyone happy at Christmas," said Savannah who has been described by staff as an inspiration to other teenagers.
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She raised the money by selling raffle tickets after approaching two local businesses.
She teamed up with Donald John and Jennifer Morrison from Caley Timber and Building Supplies, and Stuart Howell, of the Gadget Refuge, Highlands and Islands, also agreed to sponsor her.
Both businesses donated raffle prizes including a PS5 console, a £50 voucher for Smyths Toys, a light-up pool table and a light-up air hockey table.
Explaining her motivation, Savannah said: "If you have a brother or sister in hospital for Christmas, you want to be with them and that’s a very different kind of Christmas to what most kids experience.
"These presents will be a nice surprise for all the children who find themselves spending time at Raigmore Hospital on Christmas Day, either as a visitor or as a patient."
Steph MacKenzie, senior play specialist at Raigmore Hospital, said: "We are all incredibly fond of Savannah and have got to know her well over the years when her sister Amelia is in hospital.
"This is not the first time Savannah has shown such acts of kindness, she is an inspiration to other teenagers and I know her parents, Kelly and Chris, are extremely proud of her.
"Thanks to Savannah, there will be plenty of smiles on the children’s ward on Christmas Day."
Savannah's sister, Amelia, was born at 32 weeks gestation and placed on ventilator.
Amelia, who is the youngest of five siblings, has been through much in her short life.
Two years ago, she underwent seven operations in one year alone and last winter was admitted to the children’s unit at Raigmore Hospital several times with serious infections and viruses due to her weak immune system.
Her mother, Kelly Macrae, made a promise after her daughter was born she would raise money for the organisations helping her and gift it every year on her birthday.
Over the years, she has raised more than £80,000.
