Two very special visitors were welcomed to Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust’s Rainbow Ward.
Therapy ponies, Mr P and Poppy drew gasps of surprise from patients and staff on the ward at the Wigan Infirmary site, as they trotted around with the children and received plenty of petting.
Emma Parr, Staff Nurse on Rainbow Ward, organised the visit.
She said: “I am just delighted that I have been able to arrange this special event for the children on Rainbow Ward. It has brought smiles to both the staff and the patients.
“The ponies are just adorable and I hope our connection with the charity will continue.”
Heather Dineley, Rainbow Ward Sister, said it had been an emotional afternoon.
“Seeing the ponies with the children and seeing just how calm and loving they are has been really emotional,” said Heather.
“Some of the patients on the ward have really come out of their shells and brightened up since they’ve had a visit from them. It’s really lovely to see.”
The therapy ponies visited with their handlers Katy Smith and Vicky Bentley Johnson from KL Therapy Ponies based in North Yorkshire. (K L Pony Therapy on Facebook)
Katy said: “We all had a fabulous afternoon visiting the Rainbow Ward and seeing the smiles and interaction with Mr P and Poppy was very special.
“The whole ward lit up from us going in to leaving and we were even able to spend time with a patient in her room. Just seeing how much of a boost it was for her was lovely and Mr P was a real star with her.
“Poppy loved been walked around by the patients and having the attention and giving confidence to the children was so special.
“The help it gave the parents as well was so important and very soothing and calming for everyone there.”
