Young patients, families and colleagues at Doncaster Royal Infirmary’s Children’s Ward were delighted as a very special festive visitor made his way through the wards last Tuesday, 9 December.
Victor the Polar Bear, the beloved mascot from Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP), spread joy, laughter and Christmas spirit on his annual festive visit.
Victor, known across the region for his larger-than-life character and friendly antics, brought smiles and excitement as he toured the Children’s Ward, Children’s Observation Unit and Paediatric Emergency Department at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI).
Dressed in his signature Christmas scarf and Santa hat, he handed out cuddly toys generously donated by YWP and its supporters, posed for photos with patients and families, and shared moments of cheer that brightened the day for everyone he met.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s CEO, John Minion, said: “Victor’s visit is becoming a Christmas tradition now and everyone at YWP loves being involved. We are especially grateful to our visitors and suppliers who have contributed donations which help bring a little bit of Christmas to the children.”
Ashleigh Elam, Sister on the Children’s Ward, added: “Victor’s visit has been wonderful to watch. You could see our young patient’s faces light up as he walked through – it’s moments like this that lift everyone’s spirits.
“We are so grateful to Yorkshire Wildlife Park for their continued support and for bringing festive cheer to our ward.”
The event is part of the ongoing collaboration between Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), DBTH Charity and YWP – a partnership that brings community organisations together to create meaningful experiences for patients and their families.
For more information about DBTH Charity, please visit the charity website: https://dbthcharity.co.uk/
