The magic is revealed as Bradford garden centre funds children's ward makeover

The dreams of Play Leaders at Leeds Children's Hospital were realised today, 1^stDecember, when the magic of Christmas was revealed on their wards.

When Joanne Phillips and Katy Inman asked the team at Tong Garden Centre if they could help to make Christmas memorable for the children who spend time in hospital over the festive period, they were only too happy to oblige.

The makeover on wards L41 and 42 comprised several themed trees, tinsel, stars, angels and hundreds of lights that were switched on by Santa, with the help of Dixie and Emma from Heart breakfast, to mark the first day of advent.

Joanne Phillips, Play Leader on the general surgical ward L42, was unaware of the exact details of Tong's plans and was amazed with the ward's transformation: "This is better than we could have imagined - it's truly magical."

The team at Tong also surprised Joanne and Katy with 24 presents for the ward, one for each day of advent.

Katy Inman was moved by the extra gifts: "What a fantastic surprise! Thank you so much for all the work that you have put in to make Christmas extra special, not just for the patients, but the staff too."

Tong's co-owner, Tom Megginson was delighted that the makeover was so well received: "We're thrilled to be able to give something back to the community and pleased that we were able to realise Joanne and Katy's ambition. The look of delight on the children's faces was fantastic and will stay with us all for quite some time."

Tong Garden Centre is one of Yorkshire's biggest garden centres with 110,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 1,000 cars.

Ends

Photo:

L-RTom Megginson, Dixie and Emma from Heart, Santa, Joanne Phillips and Katy Inman with two of the children currently on the ward.

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Notes to editors

1. For more information about Tong Garden Centre, please visitwww.tonggardencentre.co.uk.

2. Tong Garden Centre is the largest independent garden centre in Yorkshire, located near Bradford, West Yorkshire. On site visitors will find anoutdoor plant department, shopping departments filled with garden furniture, gifts, home accessories and leading brands including Mountain Warehouse, Pavers and Bonmarché, the Coffee Shop, Orchard Restaurant, and the children's outdoor adventure playground Grass Hoppers.

3. This year has marked a number of award successes for Tong Garden Centre, and it has recently joined the respectedGarden Centre Association. The garden centre has been shortlisted along with big tourism names from the region in the Outstanding Customer Service category of the Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards with results to be announced later in the year.

4. Mark Farnsworth and Tom Megginson acquired Tong Garden Centre in May 2015 fromprevious owner Ron Harker, whose family had run the business since 1984.

5. Mr Farnsworth, also owner ofWilliam's Farm Kitchen, opened an outlet at Tong Garden Centre as part of the improvements. William's Farm Kitchen at Tong boasts abrand new butchery and bakery facilities as well as an extensive range of food and drink.