Stars spread a bit of festive cheer

COMEDIAN Brendan O’Carroll is renowned for his wicked sense of humour but it was his gentle side that came shining through yesterday when he met patients at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Dublin.

Having met one tearful youngster he did not leave her bedside until she was giggling in her parents’ arms. Then he was off again bringing a bit of joy and laughter to other patients.

The funny man was one of a number of celebrities who have taken time out of their busy schedules to brighten up the lives of sick children this Christmas.

Mr O’Carroll said the day was also a poignant reminder of the loss of his first son, also called Brendan, who was born with hydrocephalus and spina bifida.

“Brendan died shortly after he was born. I was a 19-year-old dad at the time but to this day he remains as real to me as my other three kids,” he said.

Mr O’Carroll said he never failed to be impressed at how children coped with illness.

“Patients at the hospital are getting treatments that we adults could not stand. They are taking it on the chin and telling their mothers and fathers not to worry.

“I will be leaving this hospital reassured that we are all going to be OK because the children I see represent our future,” he said.

“Most of the children I see have no idea who I am. You just go in with a friendly smile and ask them how they are doing.”

Mr O’Carroll said he liked visiting the hospital to cheer up the parents and medical staff. “I like to try and take their mind off more serious issues, even for just a little while.”

The Celebrity Ward Walk, organised by hospital supporters Valerie and Gary Keating, started five years ago.

Also taking part in the Celebrity Ward Walk was Boyzone member, Mikey Graham, comedian P J Gallagher, former Miss Ireland Rosanna Davison, former rugby international Shane Byrne, Children’s TV presenter Brian Ormond and musician Mickey Harte.

This year food giant Heinz sponsored the event and have also made a donation that will be used to buy specialist toys and assist the hospital’s play programme.

Director of nursing, Geraldine Regan, pointed out that around 100 very ill children would spend Christmas in hospital.

“Having a child with a serious illness puts a lot of strain on families, particularly at this time of year. That is why coming up to Christmas we try to have some fun in the hospital,” she said.

Deputy chairman of the hospital, Frank Feely, said since the last year’s celebrity walk around 25,000 children have been admitted to the hospital and more than 110,000 children had attended the hospital’s emergency and out-patient departments.