A FAMILY support group delivered a sleigh-load of Christmas cheer to babies facing their first Christmas in hospital.

Dudley Bliss provided 22 gift bags to children on the neonatal unit at Russell’s Hall Hospital containing items including toiletries for babies and parents, hand-knitted baby cardigans, hats and blankets, Christmas chocolates, bibs, feeding bowls and spoons, toys plus picture and story books.

Many of the gifts were provided by Dudley Bliss members who, in some cases, have first-hand experience of the unit’s services.

Parent Louise Griffiths said: “When my son Isaac was in neonatal for Christmas two years ago, receiving presents delivered by Dudley Bliss was lovely and made us feel cared for and special. So this year, I have made some donations to the gift bags myself.”

Group organiser Joanne Weston said: “‘It is an isolating and frightening experience having a baby in neonatal and at Christmastime, families with sick babies on the unit can be almost unaware of the festivities taking place around them.

“Receiving gifts on the unit can bring a little cheer to the day and helped those families to feel part of Christmas celebrations.”

Businesses that also made donations include Becky’s School of Dance, Eon Metering Kingswinford, Kiddicare Merryhill, Tommee Tippee, Weleda, Westfield, I Do Cupcakes, Bepanthen, Dr Browns, Monkeybear Crafts and Cow & Gate.