A Derby youngster who was too poorly to attend his school’s festive celebrations still got to meet Father Christmas – after teachers arranged a surprise visit to his hospital bed.
Eight-year-old Michal Winter had been eagerly counting down to the annual Breakfast with Santa event at Firs Primary School, in Derby, where he is in year three.
But in the weeks leading up to Christmas, he was admitted to hospital, missing out on the school activities he had been so excited to enjoy.
Michal lives with a rare and incurable condition called Harlequin Ichthyosis – an extremely rare and severe genetic skin disorder that causes thick, armour-like plates of skin to form, which are separated by deep cracks.
The condition affects the skin’s protective barrier, leaving Michal vulnerable to serious complications, including breathing difficulties, feeding challenges, dehydration and infection.
Michal pleaded with nurses and doctors at the Royal Derby Hospital to make sure he was well enough to return to school in time for Breakfast with Santa, but was left devastated when he found out it wouldn’t be possible.
Paula Martin, headteacher of Firs Primary School, which belongs to Derby Diocesan Academy Trust, said: “We knew how excited Michal was to see Santa and were absolutely heartbroken for him when he couldn’t attend, so we decided to take Santa to him instead.
“With myself as Mrs Claus, our vice chair of governors Steve Rogers as Santa, and our school business manager, David Jones as the elf, we made our way to the ward armed with lots of gifts and treats to make sure Michal didn’t miss out.
“He looked completely shocked when we walked in and then just so happy. It was a really special moment.
“Michal is such a positive, popular and happy child and is always full of life. He is a pleasure to have in school”
Michal’s condition means he often uses a wheelchair and requires one-to-one support. Staff members from the school apply cream and eye drops daily, classroom conditions such as temperature and humidity are closely monitored, and products used within the school, including hand wash, do not contain ingredients such as alcohol.
Michal’s dad, Sebastian Winter, who is also a governor at the school, said: “The visit was a huge moment for Michal. He had been so upset knowing he wouldn’t be able to attend the event that he has been looking forward to for so long.
“On the day Santa arrived, Michal didn’t have his usual high energy, but the quiet joy of him being there was incredibly special and exactly the boost he needed.
“The staff at Firs Primary always go above and beyond to ensure his medical needs are met so he can focus on being a student and as a result, he absolutely loves school.
“Seeing him so happy there is incredibly reassuring for us.
“When the opportunity arose to become a governor, I wanted to bring my own perspective to the role. As a member of the Polish community and the father of two disabled children, I felt it was important to represent those voices and support the school’s ongoing commitment to being inclusive and responsive to every family’s needs.”
During their visit to the hospital, the festive team also left Christmas treats on the ward for other children, with some even getting the chance to meet Santa himself.
Mrs Quince, a teacher at the school, has collected Christmas cards from Michal’s classmates and will personally deliver them to the hospital after he asked if he would be able to see her before Christmas.
DDAT Chief Executive Officer Sarah Clark said: “I am incredibly proud of how the school supports Michal and consistently goes above and beyond for him, as they do for all of our pupils. This level of care is something I am proud to see across all of our schools.
“We know Michal is a big fan of school, and it gives us great comfort to know that he feels happy, supported and cared for.”
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This press release was distributed by Penguin PR. To find out more contact Sarah-Louise Elton on 01332 416228 or by email at [email protected]
