PICTURES: Eden Court pantomime stars light up Highland Children's Unit at Raigmore Hospital
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Young patients in Raigmore Hospital had a special treat when the stars of Inverness’s main panto went along to see them.
D&E Coaches, which is sponsoring Beauty and The Beast at Eden Court, took the stars by bus to the Highland Children’s Unit to sprinkle some festive magic.
Managing director Donald Mathieson said the company was a strong supporter of the unit.
“It’s good to be able to do something to raise a smile on the faces of children – and the panto principals certainly did that,” he said.
Play specialist Stephanie Mackenzie said: “It was a great success and the stars in their colourful costumes certainly proved a hit with kids, parents – and staff.”
Grace Ross (4), of Inverness, was fascinated by Belle, played by Christie Gowans, and the Enchantress, played by Victoria Compson-Bradford.
Lucas MacDonald, also of Inverness, is only 12 weeks old but enjoyed seeing Belle, much to the amusement of mum Alannah Cameron and dad Ross MacDonald.
Ten-month-old Aidan Mackay was confined to his room because of infection risk but was held up by mum Karina Murdoch to press his hand against the window to that of Steve Wren, who plays panto dame Fanny McKlinkie, and Ross Allan, who plays her son Cameron.
Mr Wren, who also wrote the panto script, said the stars had been keen to accept the invitation to visit the unit.
“It’s great to have this opportunity to visit the kids and help make them happy at a time when they aren’t too well,” he said.
Nursing auxiliary Lily Tomlin said the unit was delighted D&E Coaches had arranged the visit.
“The colourful costumes brought a bit of seasonal fun to the ward and the staff enjoyed the stars’ visit as much as the children did,” she said.
April Emmott, senior nurse for paediatric services, thanked everyone who had taken time out during the festive period to visit, including footballers from Caley Thistle and Ross County, as well as Santa.
“We always feel very fortunate that so many people take the time to think of us,” she said.
