Children in Shetland are receiving special gifts to help make their stay in hospital more comfortable this Christmas.
More than 140 toys, games and books were donated to the Gilbert Bain Hospital by our Cooke Community Benefit Fund. The team in the Child Health Department will distribute the gifts to youngsters staying in over the festive period and throughout the new year. Children waiting in Accident and Emergency, and those in the community with long-term health conditions who need regular care will also benefit from the donation.
NHS Shetland Hospital Children’s Nurse, Jan Howard, and Community Children’s Nurse, Jenn Henderson, teamed up with staff members of Cooke Scotland for a fourth year to select the gifts from Harry’s Toy Shop in Lerwick.
Ms Howard said: “Some of these children have to go through painful and stressful treatments. We wanted to do something to help but didn’t have the budget. The support from Cooke Scotland is already lifting spirits around the department and the hospital staff, the children and their parents, are all really grateful.”
Maci Williamson, four, was one of the children to benefit from the donation. Ms Howard added: “Maci was delighted to receive the toys, and it made a big difference in helping her settle onto the ward.”
Maci Williamson, age 4, with her new toys at the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick.
We are deeply committed to the communities we call home and our Community Benefit Fund has supported over 100 causes across the United Kingdom throughout 2025.
Cooke Scotland Environmental Officer, Stephanie Sinclair, helped select the gifts. She said: “Supporting the communities we live and operate in is vitally important to us, and this NHS toy donation has a special place in all our hearts. We hope the gifts bring the children comfort and a little joy whilst they receive medical care, especially in the lead up to Christmas.”
Bags full of games, dolls, creative craft kits, books, and much more, were donated by Cooke, and Harry’s Toy Shop also generously gave a 10% discount to the cause.
Main photograph: (from left to right) Stephanie Sinclair, Cooke Scotland Environmental Officer; Jan Howard, NHS Shetland Hospital Children’s Nurse; Lynsey Henry, Harry’s Toy Shop Manager; and Jenn Henderson, NHS Shetland Community Children’s Nurse, at Harry’s Toy Shop selecting the toys for the Cooke donation.