VOLUNTEERS of a charity for the sick spread some festive good will by spending their Christmas morning giving presents to patients in hospital.

Members of the Harwich Fellowship for the Sick visited the Fryatt Hospital in Harwich.

They gave out 21 presents to people who found themselves in a hospital bed this year rather than in the comfort of their own homes.

The volunteers make the trip to the hospital every Christmas Day in a bid to lighten the day for patients.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Sheena Parsons, honorary secretary at the charity, said: “Di Greening, deputy site manager, and Lyn Day on reception get the presents in and wrap them and we pay.

“We went to the Fryatt Ward and there were a lot of local people in there.

“It’s always a variety of reasons they are in hospital, but the presents and our visit on Christmas Day lightens the day for them.

“Some people have families up there but some don’t.

“They were very surprised and appreciative.

“It’s something we’ve done for years.

“The money is given by the local community and it goes back to the community.”

The charity launched in 1957, in the early days of the National Health Service when residents in Harwich decided they needed more care than they were receiving.

The fellowship funds the Hospital Hopper bus from the town to Colchester, and the local Tendring Specialist Stroke Services group, as well as numerous health-related needs of the town.