It was fun all the way in the children’s ward at Forth Valley Royal Hospital when a host of sports enthusiasts and entertainers dropped in as part of National Play Week in Hospital. Staff from Active Stirling encouraged kids to take up exercise by playing a type of bowls known as boccia, used ‘beanie’ animals to encourage co-ordination, and showed the youngsters how to juggle.

Other treats included face painting fairies who brought lots of glitter and sparkle to the ward and a visit by Monster Mania who invited some very special friends along – Peppa Pig, Dora the Explorer, Mickey Mouse and Super Mario! Mr B Loon was also on hand to entertain the children, parents and staff with his amazing magical balloon creations from Minions to Mickey – you name it he can make it!

Seonad Hopkins, NHS Forth Valley Play Specialist at Forth Valley Royal Hospital said: “Being in hospital can be a particularly daunting and sometimes stressful experience for children. By planning weeks like this we can create an excellent distraction, whilst promoting positive health and some of the best kind of medicine – a dose of fun and laughter!”

National Play in Hospital Week is an annual event organised by the National Association of Health Play Specialists (NAHPS) a charity which promotes the physical and mental well being of children and young people who are patients in hospital. It is seen as an opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of play and activity and this year’s theme was ‘Play is good for your health.’