Santa gets a special delivery of children’s Christmas wishes at Norwich party
Heart warming letters from blind and partially sighted children in Norfolk were given to Santa when he made a guest appearance at a very special Christmas party in Norwich.
More than 30 children with sight problems gathered to meet Father Christmas at the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind's annual children's party together with their siblings, families or carers.
Santa left his sleigh at home to arrive at the NNAB's Magpie Road headquarters in a shiny red truck driven by former East Coast Truckers chairman and convoy director Rob Billman, and Santa's elves were an escort of nine powerful Harley Davidson bikes ridden by members of the Eaton Hogs Bikers' Club.
The NNAB's YoungEyes coordinator Dorothy Bowen said: 'It was inspiring to see the children's faces light up when Santa arrived and the way they handed him their letters. Let's just hope he'll be able to fulfil their wishes on Christmas Day.
'The number of families that attended was the largest we've ever had and they came from all over the county. To bring all the mums and dads together and to see them chatting about their common concerns was overwhelming.'
The party tea was provided by Norwich insurance company Smith and Pinching.
Special guests at the party included the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James, the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Ralph Gayton, the Sheriff of Norwich John Jennings and deputy lieutenant of Norfolk, Paddy Seligman, all of whom joined in the fun and games.
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The NNAB helps more than 100 visually impaired Norfolk children throughout the year, running clubs and events for the youngsters and allowing their families and carers to share their experiences and challenges.
It also works closely with the county council's sensory support teams and has a specially kitted-out Rainbow Room equipped with a Sensory Voyager that offers visual stimulation to children with limited sight.
Families of children with sight loss should contact Dorothy Bowen on 01603 629558 or via email at dorothybowen@nnab.org.uk
