'They were lovely' - Schoolchildren in Boston pay visit to Pilgrim Hospital for World Book Day
Schoolchildren in Boston and across Lincolnshire have helped mark World Book Day by visiting patients in hospital.
At Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, pupils from Tower Road Academy (dressed as their favourite literary characters) spent time chatting with patients, sharing stories about books they love.
Kaye Courtney, a patient on ward 6B, was: “They were lovely. Lovely to hear the stories. Definitely something different.”
Ward sister on 6A Rachelle Cryan said: “Seeing children share stories with my elderly patients has been truly heart‑warming. The relatives loved seeing smiles on their faces. The simple act of reading together brings joy, sparks memories, and creates a sense of connection across generations – a perfect way to celebrate World Book Day.”
Also this week, Lincoln County Hospital played host to youngsters from Our Lady of Lincoln Catholic Primary School, and Grantham and District Hospital welcomed children from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Grantham.
Ben Petts, charity manager for United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, said: “World Book Day is a celebration of reading, not just to ourselves but to all ages. It is about inspiring children and adults to enjoy reading for fun and to promote literacy. Inviting students into our hospitals helps build interaction between the generations and brightens the day for our patients.”
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity says it hopes to continue building relationships between the county’s schools and Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group and is already planning to invite local school choirs to sing in the hospitals over the summer.