Christmas Cheer: Kind-hearted staff at Edinburgh Sick Kids give up their spare time to put on a special party the hospital’s children will remember

And Helping Hands collect a whopping 40 tonnes of food.

Children at the Sick Kids hospital have begun their Christmas celebrations early with a magical festive party.

Patients as the city hospital and their families were invited to join in the “fun-packed afternoon” hosted by The Edinburgh Grosvenor Hotel on Sunday.

Attendees were greeted into the “winter wonderland” which included a DJ, magician and even a special appearance from Mr Claus himself.

Elf Emily Glagow puts a smile on the face of four-year-old CC McCann.

Every child left with a special gift from Santa and families were able to make precious Christmas memories together.

Rachael Patey attended the event with her daughter and said: “This is our second year attending the Edinburgh Grosvenor Christmas party as a family. It’s an amazing event where kids just get to be kids, no matter what they’ve gone through in the year.

“The hotel spares no expense in putting on an incredible day for families. Thank you to everyone involved for making it such a special day.”

Now in its sixth year, the event began after hotel staff decided they wanted to help bring some festive cheer to families coping with difficulties this winter.

Hotel general manager Gordon Fraser donated all the presents and food while chef Jude Hill organised a charity raffle with lots of “fabulous prizes” gifted from local businesses. Mr Fraser said: “We are delighted to once again host the Christmas Party for the patients and families of Edinburgh’s Sick Children’s Hospital.

“It is always the proudest day of the year as dozens of hotel staff give up their free time to host this wonderful event.

“Thank you to them all but especially Judith Hill our Senior Sous Chef who works tirelessly all year round to deliver this special occasion.”

The event was held on behalf of the Edinburgh’s Children’s Hospital Charity which works hard throughout the year to ensure every family has the “best possible hospital experience.”

Rachel Baxter of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We would like to say an enormous thank you to the Edinburgh Grosvenor Hotel for their ongoing support and for bringing lots of festive cheer to children, young people and their families.”

40 tonnes of food raised at Helping Hands collection

Football fans have raised over 40 tonnes of food to help feed the hungry this Christmas at Helping Hands’ annual food bank collection.

The wild weather this weekend did not dampen the footie fans’ spirits and over 100 volunteers turned up to the Easter Road stadium to lend a hand ahead of kick-off.

One helper said: “My hair got washed twice today because I couldn‘t see a blooming thing when I had my hood up.

“But all in the very best of causes.”

The annual event, now in its fifth year, is organised in partnership with Hibernian Football Club and supported by the players and manager.

Many Hibs supporters said that the collection made them 'proud to be a Hibbie'.

A spokesperson from Helping Hands said: “A huge thank you to everyone who gave a helping hand. Our volunteers, drivers and all who donated food.”

Co-founder of Helping Hands Jim Slaven said: “This year’s Food bank collection was an incredible success.

“We have collected over 40 tonnes of food. Which is about three times previous years.

“Thanks to our wonderful volunteers and the infrastructure Helping Hands have in place, all this food has already been distributed to projects on the frontline in the fight against poverty.

“Our Food bank collection shows the generosity and solidarity that exists in our great city.”