It is trick or treat time with the Oncology Clinic and wards festooned with spider webs, dungeon wall coverings and scary decorations for Halloween. Treats abounded in the form of small gifts and balloon swords, handed out by book characters and superheros, and Halloween craft activities meant children could wear masks they’d created and had colourful art to put on their walls.

Camperdown Ward had a special visit by Kristen as Supergirl, Michelle as Jasmine, Cielo as Mini Mouse and Karen as Mary Poppins who all work at Rydges at Parramatta. Karen has visited the Hospital for three years, dressing up to add some fantasy and fun to the wards.

“It’s rewarding to see the children so happy and bring some light into their day,” she said.

They were also joined by Dora the Explorer, Snow White and Thing 2 out of The Cat in the Hat, surprising children who smiled as they had photos taken with their favourite characters. Even children in the isolation ward had a visit with characters donning gloves and covering clothing so they could visit and share some fun.

Six-year-old Mia was playing with toys next to her mother and grandmother in Camperdown Ward when one of her favourite characters, Jasmine out of Aladdin, walked in. She couldn't wait to have a photo with her and smiled at the sight of so many famous characters all together, in her hospital room, where she was centre of attention.

When they visited four-year-old Kiara, and her father, a big smile lit up her face. She was surrounded by a menagerie of stuffed toys in all shapes and sizes and showed some of her favourites to her colourful visitors. Before the characters waved goodbye, to visit other children, they gave Kiara some stickers to have fun with.

Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who made Halloween memorable and fun for sick children.

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