Ashford and St Peters Hospitals NHS Trust

Paul Salt’s seasonal garden illuminations were down by the 12th day after Christmas and on the 13th day he visited the children’s wards of St. Peter’s Hospital to present the money donated by well-wishers who supported his electrical art-work.

Paul, of Bentham Avenue, Sheerwater, raised £96 for the children’s wards and he also donated a Winnie the Pooh piece of art-work which had been the centre-piece of his front garden display.  He had help with the picture, on hardboard, from his neighbour Katie Taylor, 17.

Said Paul, who has been putting on garden light displays for charity for 15 years: “This year I reduced  the number of lights and the local youngsters said that they thought it looked better!  People liked the art-work and we made sure we were not infringing copyright, which is something we have to consider.  Pooh Bear’s friend, Roo, is wearing a lilac top instead of his usual blue – and that’s allowed.”

Senior Play Specialist Jenny Kirby said: “We are very pleased to receive both these gifts.  The very young children will enjoy looking at Pooh Bear and his friends and we hope the older children will benefit from new cassette players bought with Paul’s money.  It is hard to get new cassette players nowadays, but most of our music is on tape and not CD.  Music is very therapeutic, particularly for special needs children and also for older children who are in rooms of their own.”