16 December 2025
Santa swapped his sleigh for a RAF Shawbury helicopter when he flew in to visit the Children’s Ward at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
Excited patients and staff greeted the Juno helicopter as it touched down with its special visitor aboard.
Christmas can be a really challenging time for patients, especially for children and their families whilst receiving treatment in hospital during the festive period, so Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Charity and RAF Shawbury helped Santa deliver gifts to patients on the Children’s Ward and also visited parents on the Neonatal Unit.
Santa was accompanied on his visit by keen staff volunteers and RAF students.
During his flying visit, Santa spoke to two-year-old patient Myla, from Whitchurch. Her mum Emma Hughes said “Being in hospital over Christmas is something no family ever wishes for, but today brought us a little bit of magic. Seeing Father Christmas visit the ward and bring such joy to the children has made this season feel extra special.
“Even though we won’t be home for Christmas, moments like this remind us that the spirit of Christmas can find us anywhere.”
Jo Williams, Group Chief Executive of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust (SaTH), said: “It was so exciting to have Santa arrive at the hospital by helicopter. Thank you to RAF Shawbury for bringing along the special visitor who put a smile on the faces of our young patients.
“They were thrilled to see Santa and to receive a gift ahead of the big day. Some of our patients will be in over Christmas and this visit provides a welcome distraction from the treatment they are receiving.”
Julia Clarke, Director of Public Participation at SaTH, said: “The RAF didn’t just deliver Santa with presents, they delivered smiles, excitement and a moment of wonder to our hospitals. Thank you for once again for getting Santa safely to us.”
Wing Commander Paddy Durnin, Station Commander RAF Shawbury, said “This is the third year we have been able to give Santa a special ride in a No.1 Flying Training School helicopter based at RAF Shawbury. It is a real pleasure to be able to drop Santa into the Princess Royal Hospital to meet the children who are on the Shropshire Children’s Ward at this time of year.
“We know the families and hospital staff also love to meet Santa. We wish them all the very best as they support and help Shropshire’s young people to recover over the Christmas periods and all year round”.
Santa’s sleigh pulled by Rudolph and the team will be back in action on Christmas Eve, so you may see him flying through the skies.
Captions:
- The helicopter arrives with Santa
- Willow, mum Jo and Santa
- Jo Mitchell Smith with daughter Willow, aged 16 months, and Emma Hughes with Myla, aged two, greet Santa
- Santa with Myla