BIG-HEARTED residents at a Cofton Hackett care home have put smiles on children’s faces at a local hospice after handing them beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts.

The residents and staff at Cofton Park Manor Care Home, Lickey Road, have spent the last few weeks buying and wrapping special gifts for the children at Acorn Children’s Hospice in Selly Oak.

The gifts of teddy bears and games are designed for children aged 18 months to 17 years old. The residents also wrote a little message with each gift.

Julie Gough, activities co-ordinator for the hospice, said: “We have all felt overwhelmed by the kindness of the staff and residents at Cofton Park Manor.

“We can’t wait to visit them in the New Year for a coffee.”

Cofton Park Manor resident Alan Rainey, aged 82, said: “Christmas is all about the children, and we wanted to let them know that we are thinking of them. I would love to see their faces when they open their gifts.”

Fellow resident Kathleen Postings, aged 90, said: “This Christmas mission has brought us all together - we have been very excited to wrap the presents and write messages to the children.”

Cofton Park community relations Lead Wendy Sibley said: “It’s been a privilege to organise this Christmas surprise with the residents, to source the gifts and to wrap them. 

Acorns Children’s Hospice, Oak Tree Lane, provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people. The support is offered from the three hospices in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester. The team also provides support at home and in the community.