Superheroes and Santa spread festive cheer at Red Cross Hospital's Christmas parade

Children who are too ill to return home for the festive season were given a joyful surprise when the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital hosted its annual Christmas parade on Wednesday, December 10.

Children in the wards watched in awe as superheroes — including Batman, Superman, and The Hulk — abseiled down from the rooftops past their windows, while the biggest cheer of the day came when Santa Claus arrived on a fire engine to greet the hundreds of young patients.

Hospital CEO, Dr Anita Parbhoo, said: “We had marimba bands playing, and superheroes abseiling from the side of the building, waving at the children in the wards. This is also a great morale booster for the staff, as it brings many people together to brighten the children’s mood."

Salama Hendricks and her son, Salamudeen, from Lentegeur, were present at the Christmas parade. Ms Hendricks said that her son has been a patient at the children’s hospital for 16 years, where he came for palliative care.

“My son is excited to visit the parade. For him, it is something special. He has been visiting this hospital for many years, so it is always exciting for him to visit the parade,” she said.

The Wild Life Search and Rescue (WSAR) team took charge of the abseiling and assisted the hospital staff in abseiling safely along the building. 

WSAR spokesperson, David Nel, said his team looks forward to this parade every year.

“This brings so much joy not only to our team but to the hospital staff as they also get to dress in costumes to entertain their patients,” he said.

Mr Nel also had the honour of stepping into the role of Santa Claus — and was soon surrounded by hundreds of excited children eager to greet him.

 “It was so overwhelming to participate at this level, and to spread joy and smiles was rewarding,” he said.

Mr Nel wished the children’s hospital well during the festive season and said his team would join them again next year.