Christmas lights turned on at Manor Hospital
Patients, visitors and staff at Walsall Manor Hospital had a ringside view when local hero, boxer Martin Gethin switched on the hospitals Christmas tree lights.
The IBF Super Lightweight Champion and former British Champion is a patron of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity, Well Wishers, and supports events throughout the year – manning charity stalls and visiting patients. Ben is also a loyal supporter of the Charity.
Martin, who earlier this year helped to organise a charity boxing night for Well Wishers bringing in £2,500, said: “Being asked to switch on the lights at the Manor Hospital is one of the highlights of my career; its right up there with winning the Championship.
“I am really happy to have been asked and happy to support Walsall Healthcare.
"I have visited the hospital a number of times over the last year, and am conscious that many people will be spending Christmas in hospital this year.”
He was joined by GB Podium Boxer, Ben Whittaker, and the Trust’s chief executive Richard Kirby for the switch on.
Richard Kirby thanked staff for their hard work over the year, and for the many improvements that they have achieved in patient care I n2017.
The crowds were entertained by community staff who are known as Chrisoph and the Nursettes, - a team of district nurses who dance with admission avoidance co-ordinator and crooner, Chris Davis. Christoph and the Nursettes were winners of the “Trust’s Got Talent” event held earlier this year.
The Trust is holding another Festive Friday event at the hospital on 15 December from 10am.
The main atrium at Walsall Manor Hospital, which houses the Christmas tree, will be full of festive stalls and seasonal singers from local schools will entertain between 10.30am - 2.30pm on both days with Walsall Brass Band supporting the light switch on and helping us with our carol singing.
A share of the proceeds will boost Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity which.
