Burns Club children get Christmas party cheer

20 Dec 2007

Children who have suffered from burns injuries enjoyed a fun-packed Christmas party after it looked as though a lack of funds meant it would have to be cancelled.

Corus stepped into the breach after another ward at Morriston Hospital pulled out of sharing what was to have been a joint party, leaving organisers with a shortfall in money to pay for the event.

The Welsh Dragons Burns Club, which supports young people from across South and West Wales following their accidents, was also helped out by the Four Seasons Social Club in Swansea which allowed them to use the premises for free.

Corus came to the rescue with £500 from the company’s Community Awards scheme, which covered food, a disco and children’s entertainer for the 130 children who attended – as well as a visit from Santa.

Burns Club committee member and former Corus employee Wayne Barnes said: “We were left in the lurch when the other ward decided not to go ahead with the shared party. We wouldn’t have been able to hold one at all without the money from Corus, which was gratefully accepted.”

The Burns Club was launched in 2003 and is open to all children up to the age of 18 - and their families - who have suffered burns injuries and are currently attending or have been patients at the Welsh Regional Burns Centre, Morriston Hospital and the former St Lawrence Hospital burns unit at Chepstow before its move to Swansea.

Corus has a long-established relationship with the club and has been involved in fundraising events such charity balls and summer camps.

“The children have been through so much and yet their spirit is inspirational and you never hear them complaining,” said Corus Community Spokesman Keith Farron. “It is a privilege for Corus to be able to help them out.”

Further information about the Welsh Dragon Burns Club is available from Louise Scannell on 01792 703622, or c/o Dyfed Ward Burns Centre, Morriston Hospital.