Patients in the children’s ward at Heartlands Hospital were given a surprise visit from a local mosque to help celebrate Eid.

Senior members and children from Green Lane Masjid visited the children’s unit, armed with presents to show solidarity with fellow children and raise the spirits of young patients.

Coleen Maguire, aged 11 from Solihull, said: “I got a Disney Princess sticker book, a bead set and a pencil case. I really liked the gifts and the visit from the mosque cheered me up.”

The children’s services team at Heartlands were also recognised for their dedication and were given a plaque by the mosque. Christine Morrell, health play specialist at Heartlands Hospital, said: “It was a pleasure to have Green Lane Masjid back at Heartlands visiting local children and giving them presents. The gifts really did bring a smile to our patients’ faces.

“We would like to thank the mosque for recognizing our commitment and dedication.”

Waseem Khan, public relations officer at Green Lane Masjid, said: “It was an amazing experience to be at Heartlands and we are there to support the local community. Eid was an opportunity for us to reach out to children who are hospitalized at Heartlands and give them some Eid gifts in order to put smiles on their faces and raise their spirits during their treatment”