Harry Hill hails littleShay’s super hero art

National Play in Hospital Week, which will be celebrated over October 8-14, will aim to raise awareness of the benefits of play in the treatment of poorly children across the UK. This year’s event was launched by a national art competition.

Five-year-old Shay was unwell and received treatment at the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s (Western Trust) Altnagelvin Hospital.

He was encouraged to participate in the competition by the play specialist at the hospital and he drew a colourful picture of some monsters and super heroes with the tag line: “I like drawing.”

Cathy Quinn, who is a play specialist with the Western Trust and based at Altnagelvin Hospital, said: “National Play in Hospital Week is a chance for us to demonstrate how important play is in the treatment of children and the art competition was a lovely way for Starlight and NAHPS to launch this year’s event.

“We are delighted that Harry Hill liked Shay’s brilliant drawing and are really proud that he has been named as regional winner for Northern Ireland.”

During the judging, Harry picked out winners for each of the seven allocated regions, which included Northern Ireland, Scotland, London, The Midlands, The North, The South and Wales, and an overall national winner, which was seven-year-old Chloe Jones, who is treated at Kettering General Hospital.

After the judging, Harry Hill commented: “It was a great honour to be asked to judge the National Play in Hospital Week Art Competition with Starlight and NAHPS.

“There were some great entries from across the UK and it was fascinating to see how each child had depicted the way in which play helps them when they are in hospital.

“Although they were all very different, each entry clearly showed that, whether it’s cuddling a teddy, blowing bubbles, or simply having a giggle, play really helps poorly children to cope with their pain and anxiety when in hospital.”

Organised by National Association of Health Play Specialists (NAHPS) and Starlight Children’s Foundation, the competition asked poorly children and young people to produce a drawing that illustrates how play in hospital helps them.

Hundreds of entries flooded in but it was the drawing produced by Shay that Harry Hill chose as Northern Ireland’s winning illustration!

Online toy shop Letterbox has generously provided exciting prizes for Shay and the other winners. In addition, the winning drawings will be used on marketing and publicity materials used to advertise National Play in Hospital Week.

Starlight grants once-in-a-lifetime wishes for seriously and terminally ill children, restoring the magic and fun of childhood and giving the whole family happy memories to share, whatever the future holds.

It also creates entertainment in every hospital and hospice throughout the UK. Sick children go to Starlight parties, laugh their way through pantomimes, go out on Starlight Escapes, play games and watch films on the Starlight Fun Centre, and enjoy the toys and puzzles of the Starlight Distraction Box.

Happy children respond better to treatment and Starlight helps children to forget about their illness and simply have a bit of fun.

To refer a child or to make a donation, please go online at www.starlight.org.uk. For every £1 you donate, 93p goes towards helping Starlight’s very ill children.