Two skilled children’s hospice volunteers put their craftsmanship to good use by building a stunning accessible sleigh for families to enjoy.
Graham Shipley, 65, and Mick Housden, 67, gave up a day a week from July until November to make their vision a reality – completing the project in time for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Winter Wonderland event at Milton.
The back of the striking red sleigh lowers to become a ramp, allowing wheelchairs to be pushed onto it and therefore creating a golden festive photo opportunity.
“I wouldn’t like to tot up the hours we’ve invested, but every single one of them felt worthwhile when we saw families having fun,” said Graham.
“Having started with a rough sketch, it turned out even better than we could have hoped, and we’re immensely proud.
“We’ve had so many positive comments, and everyone was incredibly kind and appreciative.
“It felt great, and seeing the joy on people’s faces made it all worthwhile. It was our way of doing something positive, albeit indirectly, to help families receiving support from EACH.”
While some of the wood was bought, much was donated completely free of charge – as was all the paint for the project.
Families loved it, with some commenting they had never been able to put their child in a sleigh before because they are not normally accessible to wheelchairs.
“Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and one family told me it was their first proper photo together for three years,” said Mick, who lives near Ely.
“I found the whole project very fun and rewarding, and I’m very proud of what we produced. We were over the moon with the finished product.
“The sleigh is safe and accessible, and an added bonus is it can be unbolted and broken into three pieces, which can then be flat-packed and easily stored for next Christmas.”
In addition to their sleigh-building project, Graham and Mick both volunteer every Wednesday, supporting the facilities team at Milton.
Graham has been lending a hand for 11 years, since suffering a head injury and being forced to take early retirement.
“I found EACH and EACH found me,” said the former chartered building surveyor, who lives in St Neots.
“I enjoy giving something back, and volunteering is very good for me mentally, almost like therapy. I always come away feeling on a real high.
“It’s been a saviour, and without it, I don’t know what I’d have done.”
Mick, a former laboratory manager, added: “I’ve only been volunteering for a year and a half but love spending time at Milton.
“Now I’m retired, it’s a great way of keeping busy and meeting new people, and the hospice is nothing like I expected.
“I thought it might be a sad place, more about end of life, but lots of fun and joyful things happen here, just like our Winter Wonderland.”
Graham is pictured on the left and the pair’s handiwork can be seen in this photo of the Carlson family having fun at Winter Wonderland.
Milton’s Winter Wonderland, for children and families receiving care and support at the hospice, took place on Saturday (14th December).
Pictures: i-d Development St Neots
