X-Factor Johnny brings cheer to children's ward

Dec 19 2011 By Hannah Bewley

X-Factors Johnny Robinson, hands out toys for our Toy Appeal at Northwick Park Hospital. Johnny and Hewad Azimi, ten months.

JOLLY Johnny Robinson brought Christmas cheer to children as he delivered our readers’ gifts as part of our Toy Appeal 2012.

The X-Factor star shone as he gave out presents to children at Jack's Place, the children's ward at the hospital.

Johnny was impressed by the 20 boxes of presents that were collected from our readers. He said: "It was a good response, I hope they enjoy it, it is the least I could do to give something positive back when you are in a lucky position to do this. It was great to be able to make a difference to people."

One family on the ward was mother and daughter, Joyce and Rachel, seven. "I am so touched, to be given a dress and presents is so beautiful. We came to the hospital in tears and we are leaving with tears of joy."

Ms Christy, 34, was supposed to fly to India to visit her family but as her daughter fell ill she had to stay here while her husband flew out for a trip they had been planning for four years.

She said: "We are going to be on our own for Christmas so this is really a lovely surprise."

Johnny used to work in care homes and look after people over Christmas so had an impeccable bedside manner and knew the strain the staff and parents were under.

All of the families and children thanked Johnny and many said the presents would help them recover in time for Christmas.

The presenter and singer said his Christmas message to readers was: "When times get tough and times get rough never give up on hope and always chase your dream. If you keep trying you will get there in the end."

His dream for next year is to record and album and said the memory of his father has helped him to keep going: "It will be a quiet Christmas, I will go to my father's grave, he died four years ago and he had lung cancer and two brain tumours. I nursed him at home in Henley and he always said don't give up, and always said don't stop chasing your dream. He would have been so proud of me on X-Factor."

While wearing a Santa hat and chatting with parents, children and staff at the hospital he said: "The best thing about the British public is that they go out and help people who have got nothing. They always put their hands in their pockets."

The Observer would like to thank everyone who donated presents and gave all the patients in Jack's Place a Merry Christmas.