It was a day crammed with tinsel, glitter and sparkles of all kinds as RCSI students brought a little piece of Christmas to Temple Street Children's Hospital. On Friday last, decked in Christmas jumpers, elf suits and antlers of all sizes, a group of senior cycle students from the Paediatric Society brought fun and laughter to every corner of the hospital.

Led by Allan Jenkenson (Medicine, Senior Cycle ll) the team started the day in the hospital playroom where they packed bags full of activity items - from sparkling paper and pop star stickers to balloon creatures and face paints, all items were carefully prepared in advance of descending on the hospital wards. The plan was to entertain the children with everything from Christmas cards and decoration making to activity games and face painting.

The activity teams hit the wards where they were warmly welcomed by both children and parents alike. In addition, a travelling team of carol singers stopped by the wards, Out- patients and Clinics singing carols and distributing candy. Parents and children were encouraged to sing along and to help make the day a little brighter for all. The crew sang a special song for all the wonderful hospital staff who work tirelessly for all the children in their care.

The students also donated a large giftbox of toys for the playroom. It included an array of toys for all ages - from Barbie Dolls and Disney Princesses to Winnie the Pooh and Spiderman. With wooden lock puzzles and snap click caterpillars to cater for the very young.

Commenting on the event, Corriena Brien, Student Services Manger, said: "I am so pleased to see this event re-appear. It was very popular a number of years ago but for various reasons, disappeared from the events calendar. When Allan approached Student Services with a plan to re-invent the visit, naturally we were delighted to support it."

She went on to add, "Of all the events this year, this was probably one of the most meaningful. I got to speak with many parents of sick children on the day. They were just so grateful to be remembered. I hope we lifted the spirits of everyone we met on the day."

She also thanked the students from the Paediatric Society namely Allan Jenkinson, Valerie Curran, Nasrin Samji, Chelsea Gatcliffe, Elizabeth Ahern Flynn, Ciara Nolan, Ciaran McLaughlin and Sarah Lewis in addition to Caroline Flynn from Temple Street who facilitated the visit and co-ordinated all the movements on the day.