Theme park makes big splash for kids at Royal Stoke
Theme Park helps charity make big splash for kids at UHNM
UHNM has teamed up with Alton Towers Resort and the dedicated children's charity for Merlin Entertainments, Merlin's Magic Wand, to create a vibrant, truly unique and welcoming space for thousands of youngsters visiting the Children's Centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital.
The new exciting and colourful entrance foyer has been created by Merlin's in-house creative specialists and features an iconic flume boat from the theme park for children and families to enjoy, as well as an interactive wall play feature and immersive theming inspired by Alton Towers Resort.
The project, which began in 2019, aimed to create a 'Merlin's Magic Space' that provides a warm, magical and remarkable welcome area to support children and their families visiting the wards. The finished space is now set to put a smile on the face of thousands of children undergoing treatment and medical care, thanks to the amazing transformation.
Dr Melissa Hubbard, UHNM Consultant Paediatrician, said: "Coming into hospital can very daunting and a little scary so we are delighted that thanks to Merlin Magic Wand's support we have been able to transform the entrance to our Children's Centre into a colourful themed play area, complete with log flume from the original Alton Tower's ride.
"It has made our large open entrance a more inviting and engaging environment making the experience of arriving at hospital as a safe, fun and non-threatening place to be and gives them somewhere to just be a child away from the clinical environment."
She added: "It is hard to put into words what having something like this for the sick children of Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire means to us the team that cares for them. It lifts us up to see them lifted therefore I would like to thank the amazing team at Merlin magic Wand and the companies that support it financially for bringing the magic to Royal Stoke again."
Erin Woods, Charity Manager of Merlin's Magic Wand, said "We have a long-standing relationship with the UHNM and it is an honour to be able to continue working with them to support the children who attend the hospital. We strive to create magical memories and make it possible for all children to access the magic of Merlin Entertainments. With each Merlin's Magic Spaces project we come a step closer to our goal of creating more smiles, giggles and laughs all around the world."
Jo Mountney, HR Director at Alton Towers Resort, said: "Supporting the hospital and those under its care is an absolute privilege and something we are incredibly proud of. The latest project aims to inject some fun and create a brighter entrance space for those facing challenging times. It is a great way to kickstart 2020 and our 40th anniversary year at the Resort.
"Supporting Merlin's Magic Wand and the University Hospitals of North Midlands with worthwhile projects such as this mean so much to everyone at the Resort and is something we are keen to grow and develop. We are in the business of creating fun and happy memories, yet we know that this isn't as straightforward for some as it is for others. Therefore, projects such as this allow us to help bring a smile to those who need it most, whatever their circumstance."