Broncos spread Christmas cheer

The Brisbane Broncos paid a visit to West Moreton Health on Monday morning, bringing good cheer to those who need it most. 

National Rugby League Woman’s (NRLW) Broncos Captain and former Ipswich schoolgirl Ali Brigginshaw was joined by fellow Broncos star player, Scott Prince.

Brigginshaw said visiting the patients in the Children’s Sunshine Ward at Ipswich Hospital during the festive season was one of the highlights of her year.

Scott Prince, Roxie Wright, Ali Brigginshaw and Santa Claus

Merry Christmas: Scott Prince, Roxie Wright, Ali Brigginshaw and Santa Claus.

“Christmas is an amazing opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends and show gratitude for everything we have,” she said. 

“Seeing these incredible children so happy and excited to see us puts everything into perspective.”

Ali and Scott joined forces with Santa Claus, surprising the patients in the Children’s Ward with a large pile of wrapped gifts to open, cherish and keep.  

“It is a wonderful feeling to put a smile on their face,” Ali said.

“They deserve to feel the joy and excitement of Christmas like everyone else at this time of year, so if we can be a small part of that it is all worth it.”

Ipswich Hospital Foundation Program Community Manager, Kayley Taaffe said the Broncos visit is a well-anticipated event for the children staying in the hospital throughout the festive season.

“The Broncos visit to the children's ward is greatly appreciated by the parents,” Miss Taaffe said.

“Sometimes the ward here is the children’s second home and anything we can do to impact their lives and create positivity in what can be a stressful place is a bonus in our experience.

“We are so thankful to the Broncos for sharing their time with us here at the Ipswich children’s ward again this year.

“It provides a good distraction from being in hospital and brings so much joy into the ward.”

West Moreton Health Chief Executive Dr Kerrie Freeman thanked Ipswich Hospital Foundation and Broncos for their support.

“Our staff do everything they can for patients – young and old – to have the best possible care experience,” Dr Freeman said.

“It is wonderful to have the support of others in the broader community who are committed to that same vision.’’

The Ipswich Hospital Foundation (IHF) aims to provide health and wellbeing support to the West Moreton community. 

IHF also aims to assist funding for medical equipment, staff education, training and professional development, health and medical research and virtual care.

“This Christmas, we are raising funds for community health and wellbeing throughout the West Moreton region,” Miss Taaffe said. 

“This year, all we ask is that people dig deep and donate locally so that we can support those who need it most, such as the patients in the children's ward.”