VIDEO: Wiltshire Police officers deliver thousand gifts to children in GWH as part of 'Operation Santa Cop'

The campaign called Operation Santa Cop was set up by police control operator Suzy Parsons after her newborn baby Rosie spent last year’s festive period in hospital with meningitis.

With nine collection points in police stations, Suzy collected 1095 gifts staff and officers donated everything from blankets and beanie hats to toys, cars, puzzles and many more. Trolleys full of goodies were also given by shoppers in ASDA West Swindon and Tesco in Trowbridge.

She said: “Christmas can be a time financially and emotionally for families, let alone if a child is poorly.

“I’m really proud and I am really happy that everyone has been so generous. For me it was to try to bring some Christmas cheer and give back to the hospital in the same time.”

Suzy, with chief constable, Kier Pritchard, and Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner, Angus Macpherson spent yesterday morning visiting children and their families.

Jasper Bentley, 19 months, was the first patient to receive gifts. including books and a Xylophone.

Kier Pritchard and Suzy Parsons meet 19-month-old patient Jasper Credit: DAVE COX

 The tot was diagnosed with a devastating brain condition called lissencephaly. The causes causes developmental delay, vision impairment, epilepsy and infantile spasms. His family took to hospital with chest and breathing problems.

His mum Joanne Lovell, 26, of Queensfield said: “ It was under control but now his chest is kind of all over the place.

“We don’t know how long we are going to stay here unfortunately, it’s a case to see how it goes.At the moment he is on oxygen. It could be days, but I’m hoping we’re home for Christmas.”

She was full of praise for Suzy’s initiative. “It’s amazing, we don’t often get a lot, it’s really touching and very overwhelming for us to see people giving Jasper something for Christmas.”

Mum-of-two Michaela Hall, 26, who lives near Coate Water said she has been in hospital with her son Colt-Joshua, eight months, since Saturday.

Michaela and her eight-month-old baby CJ

She said: “ It started with a cold and it developed into bronchitis and another chest infection.

“I realised something seriously was wrong on Saturday, so I went to the doctor and they send us here, and honestly A&E was brilliant.  It’s getting much better now. I hope we will be home before Christmas.”

CJ received a toy truck, a book, a xylophone and some other toys.  Michaela said: “It’s quite overwhelming actually, everyone has been kind around here, it’s made the experience actually more bearable. Obviously it’s emotionally draining being here, and then seeing a little bit of joy when the kids get something, it’s fantastic.”

The Chief Constable praised Suzy’s dedication.  “I am hugely proud of her, she is hugely passionate about this, she exceeded her own limit, trying to bring this together. It would be very difficult not to feel something special from seeing the looks on children’s faces when they receive their gifts.

“I am a father-of-five, so I know what it is like when you are coming up to the Christmas period and my heart goes out to children that may not be at home.”

Suzy Parsons with Angus Macpherson, Kier Pritchard

Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner Macpherson said: “Many years ago, my son was born at Christmas and my wife was in hospital and it was a great experience, it wasn’t at home experience, but I think the community and the staff really make it special in its own way.

“The smile on the children’s face and the gifts being given were tremendous, and I hope it will make them understand that the community is behind them.”

GWR’s Senior health play specialist Claire Parks added: “ It’s amazing, it’s just like Christmas Day already, it’s just a lovely thing that Suzy has organised for us.

“It’s about giving the children some lovely toys, and the parents just feel that people are thinking about them and that they have not been forgotten.”