It’s officially Christmas at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow

Christmas has arrived at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, kicking off with the annual Christmas lights switch-on event last week.

The hospital’s Christmas tree was illuminated by 11-year-old Lucas, who lives with autism, a rare chromosomal condition, and a complex gastro condition. Lucas was chosen to switch on the lights after designing a special Christmas bauble, which will raise funds for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

Lucas is frequently in hospital over Christmas and donned his favourite costume for the occasion – his ‘Elf’ outfit from the popular Will Ferrell movie, which he wears to bring cheer to hospital staff and his friends on the wards.

Lucas’s mum, Mel Shreenan, said: “Lucas is obsessed with Christmas and dresses up as an elf every year. He always shouts quotes from Elf and when we go to Asda, he gets on the escalator like Buddy the Elf.”

The tree, adorned with elf-themed decorations, reflects Lucas’s love for dressing up and adds a touch of joy to the hospital environment.

Kirsten Watson, CEO at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It’s important to help create lasting memories for children and families who won’t be at home over Christmas. This event heralds the start of a packed programme of fun events, visits and experiences for our patients and families, and I’d like to thank Enviraz for once again sponsoring our Christmas tree.  Lucas’s story is one of resilience and joy, and his role in lighting up our Christmas tree as well as his work designing our Christmas bauble embodies the spirit of the season.”

Further magic is expected next week.

Mandy Meechan, Chief Nurse at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, said: “In addition to the incredible patient care that is provided at the hospital every day, having events like this on our doorstep makes us incredibly proud to work here. We are grateful to the charities and to everyone that has donated this year. Without the hard work and generosity from all of them, we wouldn’t be able to delight the patients and their families with such a spectacular month of events.”