Inverness hero Martin MacDougall delivers extra special treats for kids in the Highland Children's Unit at Raigmore Hospital

An Inverness street sweeper has once again handed over gifts to the Highland Children's Unit at Raigmore Hospital.

Martin MacDougall, who works in the city centre, handed over 20 bags for children who will be in hospital care over Christmas.

Mr MacDougall, who started giving away hundreds of colouring books after realising his nephews were "needing something to do" in the first lockdown, used his holiday cash to fund the pandemic packs.

Continuing his work, earlier this year, Mr MacDougall gave packs to the ward at Halloween.

He said: "This was one last act of kindness from myself before Christmas to drop more than 20 Christmas bags for kids in the children's ward.

"There were 10 bags for the boys and 10 bags for girls just to put a Christmas smile on the kids in hospital over Christmas."

"So I hope all the kids will have a smile over Christmas and if the kids are happy in the hospital then I feel that I have done a good thing to put smiles on the kids faces and it makes me feel a proud.

"Merry Christmas to all the kids in the hospital and Merry Christmas to all the staff in hospital.

"They do a wonderful job. I hope the children all get well soon."

Mr MacDougall was named as an Inverness City Centre Hero, and as a hero with Stagecoach in 2020 after giving away hundreds to packs to children.

Four-year-old Maisie Torley, from Tain, also delivered parcels to the ward, on behalf of Ness Honesty Shed.

READ: 'Inclusion matters at Christmas, family, friends and a time when the whole country seems to share something', writes Sitakumari of Heartstone an organisation that works to reduce isolation in the Highlands and far beyond

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