Santa swooped into North Devon District Hospital on Friday morning to the delight of young patients and staff.
Instead of a sleigh, the man in red touched down on the hospital helipad in an iconic Sea King search and rescue helicopter in a visit organised by the team on Caroline Thorpe children’s ward and Historic Helicopters, based in Chard, Somerset.
Santa handed our Christmas presents to poorly children being treated at on the ward before heading out towards Braunton and the former RAF Chivenor, once home to the now decommissioned search and rescue helicopter
The helicopter then followed the coastline, passing over Saunton, Croyde, Woolacombe, Ilfracombe and Lynton before making its way back to Somerset, with a final stop for the day at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.
Andy Keeble, of Royal Devon Hospitals Charity (formerly Over and Above), said: “It was very special to see the big yellow Sea King flying high above North Devon again.
“Patients and staff at North Devon District Hospital were thrilled to see the famous helicopter visit the hospital, thank you so much to Historic Helicopters and the wonderful team on the Caroline Thorpe children’s ward for making the magic happen.”
