Milton Keynes children's author and hospital matron hopes to bring Christmas joy to hospitalised children
"As a Hospital Matron, I understand how important empathy, compassion, reassurance and moments of happiness can be, particularly for children spending time in hospital”
Milton Keynes-based children’s author and Hospital Matron Sarah Denis is hoping to make a positive difference to children this Christmas with the latest book 'Little Christmas Helpers'.
Inspired by her son’s love of trains, Sarah started the popular book series ‘Eddie and the Adventure Express'. Now her goal is to inspire and encourage children to embrace reading, strengthen their literacy skills and experience the joy of storytelling with the latest, festive-themed, tale in the series.
Her latest publication, ‘Little Christmas Helpers’, is about a young boy called Zack who is spending Christmas in hospital. Worried that Santa might not know he's hospitalised and could forget him, Zack has one special wish: for Santa to deliver his Christmas present in person. On Christmas Eve, Eddie and his friends set off on a journey to the North Pole to find Santa and make Zack's wish come true.
"As a Hospital Matron, I understand how important empathy, compassion, reassurance and moments of happiness can be, particularly for children spending time in hospital," Sarah told the MK Citizen.
"This inspired me to bring the message of the story to life beyond its pages by donating copies to children in hospital this Christmas. My hope is to bring moments of joy, even while they are away from home, and remind each child that they have not been forgotten.
"Alongside this Christmas initiative, I am developing a wider children’s literacy vision, with the aim of making books and storytelling more accessible to children. This will include donating copies of my books to schools and libraries, organising storytelling sessions and creating opportunities for more children to engage with reading. Through this work, I hope to foster a positive reading culture and support literacy development, starting in the UK, with the ambition of also reaching children internationally.
"I am also hoping to connect with hospitals, organisations, businesses and individuals who may wish to support the campaign and help make these donations possible."